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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
Saturday, April 18
 

9:00am MDT

Preconference Registration and Breakfast
Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Van Horne Foyer (Conference Centre)

Saturday April 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Van Horne Foyer (Conference Centre)
  Meals and Breaks

10:00am MDT

Pre-Conference with Hannah Beach (Separate pre-conference registration required)
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:00am - 4:00pm MDT
Baron Shaughnessy Room (Conference Centre)
Our full day preconference schedule is as follows:

9:00 Breakfast and Registration
10:00 Session 1 with Hannah Beach
11:15 Break
11:30 Session 2 with Hannah Beach
12:45 Lunch
1:30 Session 3 with Hannah Beach
2:45 Break
3:00 Session 4 with Hannah Beach
4:15 Mountain Mixer Social
Speakers
avatar for Hannah Beach

Hannah Beach

Hannah Beach is an award-winning educator, author, emotional health consultant, and keynote speaker who speaks about the power of relationship and play worldwide. She is the co-author of the best-selling book Reclaiming Our Students: Why Children Are More Anxious, Aggressive, and... Read More →
Saturday April 18, 2026 10:00am - 4:00pm MDT
Baron Shaughnessy Room (Conference Centre)

6:00pm MDT

ULEAD CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Saturday April 18, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Van Horne Foyer (Conference Centre)
Saturday April 18, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Van Horne Foyer (Conference Centre)
  Registration
 
Sunday, April 19
 

9:00am MDT

ULEAD CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 12:45pm MDT
Van Horne Foyer (Conference Centre)
Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 12:45pm MDT
Van Horne Foyer (Conference Centre)
  Registration

11:15am MDT

Breakout Speaker Orientation Session (For Breakout Speakers Only)
Sunday April 19, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Sir Edward Beatty (Conference Centre)
Sunday April 19, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Sir Edward Beatty (Conference Centre)
  Alberta Teachers' Association

12:45pm MDT

Conference Opening and Welcome
Sunday April 19, 2026 12:45pm - 1:00pm MDT
Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)
Sunday April 19, 2026 12:45pm - 1:00pm MDT
Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)
  Keynote

1:00pm MDT

Keynote - Your Brain, Your Life - Foundations of Thinking
Sunday April 19, 2026 1:00pm - 2:15pm MDT
Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)
You've seen it before: you say one thing, and your colleagues hear something else entirely.  You point out what feels obvious, yet somehow everyone still misses it.  Why is meaningful change so hard to achieve, even among intelligent, well-intentioned educators? The answer often has less to do with leadership techniques and more to do with how the human brain actually works to make...
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Speakers
avatar for Jared Cooney Horvath

Jared Cooney Horvath

Director, LME Global
Jared Cooney Horvath (PhD, MEd) is a neuroscientist, educator, and author of the best-selling book Stop Talking, Start Influencing: 12 Insights from Brain Science to Make Your Message Stick. He has conducted research and lectured at Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, the... Read More →
Sunday April 19, 2026 1:00pm - 2:15pm MDT
Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)
  Keynote

2:15pm MDT

TRANSITION
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBA
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBA
  Transition

2:45pm MDT

Off Script with the Alberta Teachers Association President
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Oak Room (Main Building)
Join ATA President Jason Schilling for an open and engaging discussion focused on key provincial issues influencing Alberta schools and school leaders. Designed as a conversation rather than a presentation, the session offers school leaders the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and reflect on the broader context in which their work is unfolding. This is a valuable opportunity to...
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Speakers
avatar for Jason Schilling

Jason Schilling

President, Alberta Teachers' Association
Jason Schilling (he/him) was re-elected president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association in 2023, following four years of service as president, two years of service as vice-president and more than eight years of service as district representative for South West. As vice-president, Schillingchaired... Read More →
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Oak Room (Main Building)
  Alberta Teachers' Association

2:45pm MDT

Mission Possible- Stories of Witness and Faith Formation in Catholic Education
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Ivor Petrack Room (Main Building)
Catholic teachers are more than instructors — they are evangelizers through their witness and relationships. In this TED Talk–style session, educators will share powerful stories of how they live their vocation as a calling from God. These short, impactful talks will challenge participants to see their daily practice as an opportunity for evangelization.
Speakers
avatar for Stefan Johnson

Stefan Johnson

Stefan Johnson is the Director of Student and Staff Formation for Elk Island Catholic Schools, serving in the areas of Curriculum, Faith, and Wellness. This is the most recent posting in a twenty-five year career in which Stefan has served as high school teacher, English department... Read More →
avatar for Darby Murphy

Darby Murphy

Darby Murphy has served as both a teacher and administrator with Elk Island Catholic Schools for the past decade and is currently the Principal of St. Martin's Catholic School in Vegreville, Alberta. Growing up in and eventually aging out of Foster Care shaped Darby's deep passion... Read More →
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Ivor Petrack Room (Main Building)
  Catholic

2:45pm MDT

Deepening a Culture of Belonging
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
New Brunswick Room (Main Building)
Research highlights the crucial role of cultivating a culture of belonging in schools, particularly for BIPOC students. It speaks to the significance of the role of school leaders to intentionally nurture and create inclusive environments, which can positively impact attendance, student well-being, and achievement. We know that a culture of belonging can have a positive impact on overall student...
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Speakers
avatar for Cori Fraser

Cori Fraser

Principal, EPSB
Cori Fraser has been a principal with Edmonton Public Schools for the past ten years. Since September 2020, she has been the principal at Westmount Jr High, where she leads a diverse learning community.
uLead 2026 Belonging Pt 2 pptx
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
New Brunswick Room (Main Building)
  DEHR

2:45pm MDT

Story as Pedagogy: Leading for Justice, Wellness, and Reconciliation
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Norquay Room (Main Building)
In a time when educational systems are being called to confront their complicity in systemic inequities, storytelling emerges as a transformative leadership strategy—one that reclaims voice, restores humanity, and reimagines what it means to lead. This session invites school leaders into a powerful provocation: to recognize story not just as pedagogy, but as a call to action. Drawing from...
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Speakers
DJ

Dr. Jamila Maliha

Dr. Jamila Maliha brings over 26 years of experience in public education, marked by a strong commitment to student achievement, equity, and inclusive leadership. Her career has spanned diverse roles—from classroom teacher (elementary and secondary) and Science Department Head... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Shelly Hopper

Dr. Shelly Hopper

Dr. Shelly Hopper is a member of the Manitoba Metis Federation and the Red River homeland. She lives and works in Treaty 1 territory where she presently serves as an Anti-Racism Education Professional Learning Coordinator with the Community Education Development Association, working... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Erin Van De Wiele

Dr. Erin Van De Wiele

Ontario Principal, Queen's University - Adjunct Professor
Dr. Erin Van De Wiele is a seasoned educational leader, having served as an Elementary Principal in Ontario for 20 years. Her scholarly interests centre on belongingness, trauma-informed leadership, and staff and student well-being. She serves as an Adjunct Professor at Queen's University... Read More →
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Norquay Room (Main Building)
  Indigenous

2:45pm MDT

Enhancing Math Learning through Leadership Moves
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Alberta Room (Main Building)
The presenter will describe the importance of principals, district teachers, coaches, and supervisors taking the lead in using a whole school approach to improve the mathematics learning of their students. The presenters will provide participants with a better understanding of what the changes should look like, along with key "look fors" and a proven list of actions to take in order to achieve...
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Speakers
avatar for Marian Small

Marian Small

Author and Consultant, One Two... Infinity Ltd.
Marian Small has authored more than 100 resources for teachers and students at the K- 12 level. She writes and speaks about K-12 math around the world. Her focus is on building high level teaching capacity in mathematics to ensure that a broader range of students are comfortable and... Read More →
ULEAD Marian Small pptx
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Alberta Room (Main Building)
  Instructional Leadership

2:45pm MDT

Navigating the Transition from Teacher Leader to School Leader
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Sir Edward Beatty (Conference Centre)
Stepping into a school leadership role is an exciting new chapter — but it can also feel like uncharted territory. Was the transition what you expected? Did you feel ready to lead instructionally alongside the colleagues you once taught beside? In this interactive session, we'll take time to reflect, share experiences, and uncover the skills and mindsets that make this transition both...
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Speakers
NB

Nancy Brady

Nancy has been an educator for over 28 years, serving as an educational assistant, secondary teacher, vice-principal and 18 years as a principal at both the elementary and secondary level, with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. She has also been a principal of M.F. McHugh... Read More →
VS

Vicki Shannon

Vicki has worked with leadership in education for much of her career at local, provincial and international levels. A principal for over 20 years, Vicki also served as the President of the Ontario Principals' Council (OPC), the Americas representative for the International Confederation... Read More →
Transitioning into a New Leadership Role Handout pdf
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Sir Edward Beatty (Conference Centre)
  Outside Alberta

2:45pm MDT

Lead in the Water: 5+1 Strategies for Leaders in Difficult Times
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Baron Shaughnessy Room (Conference Centre)
If you spend your days wrestling with an uncertain future on behalf of someone else, you're already leading. And if we're honest, you're probably doing it while trying to keep your own head above water. In this session, we'll name the truth of leadership in times marked by conflict, crisis, and complexity. We'll explore practical, sustainable ways to care for ourselves and the people we serve. And...
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Speakers
avatar for Brian Miller

Brian Miller

MS Principal, Great Falls School District
Brian T. Miller is a middle school principal, writer, and co-host of the Schurtz & Ties Podcast. He's known for his honest reflections on leadership, culture, and the everyday work of helping teachers and students thrive.
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Baron Shaughnessy Room (Conference Centre)
  School Culture

2:45pm MDT

The Emotional Roots of Aggression and Anxiety
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)
Children are more anxious, aggressive, and shut down than ever. We were seeing these shifts before COVID 19 and now it is only intensified. Faced with this epidemic of emotional health crises and behavioural problems, teachers are asking themselves how they can create the conditions for change. Based on her best-selling book, , this workshop will support educators with trauma-sensitive strategies...
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Speakers
avatar for Hannah Beach

Hannah Beach

Hannah Beach is an award-winning educator, author, emotional health consultant, and keynote speaker who speaks about the power of relationship and play worldwide. She is the co-author of the best-selling book Reclaiming Our Students: Why Children Are More Anxious, Aggressive, and... Read More →
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)
  School Culture

2:45pm MDT

Transforming School Culture Through Intentional Leadership: Insights from an Apple Distinguished School
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
D C Coleman (Conference Centre)
Innovation doesn’t scale on ideas alone, and most leaders don’t need another session on vision, collaboration, or partnerships. The ideas are familiar. The challenge is identifying the “small ideas” that actually move a school culture forward. Join leaders from Anglophone North School District as they share practical insights from their participation in the Apple Leading Innovation...
See More →
Speakers
JO

Jamie O’Toole


Jamie O’Toole is an education leader from New Brunswick focused on improving teaching and learning through effective use of technology. He designs and delivers sustained professional learning that builds teacher capacity and supports long-term school improvement. Jamie works wit... Read More →
JW

Judson Waye

Principal, Dr. Losier Middle School
Judson Waye is the Principal of Dr. Losier Middle School in Miramichi, New Brunswick, and is currently on secondment with Anglophone North School District to lead a special project focused on alternative education and Tier 3 behaviour systems. His post-secondary research focuses on... Read More →
avatar for Patrick McLaughlin

Patrick McLaughlin

Principal, ASD-N

Patrick McLaughlin is an educator of 19 years who has served as a classroom teacher, literacy specialist, vice principal, and now principal, currently in his third year in school leadership. His work is grounded in a commitment to fostering strong school communities and ensuring eve... Read More →
avatar for Shawn Lennie

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 →
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
D C Coleman (Conference Centre)
  School Culture

2:45pm MDT

Jared Cooney-Horvath Book Signing
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
uLead Book Store

Speakers
avatar for Jared Cooney Horvath

Jared Cooney Horvath

Director, LME Global
Jared Cooney Horvath (PhD, MEd) is a neuroscientist, educator, and author of the best-selling book Stop Talking, Start Influencing: 12 Insights from Brain Science to Make Your Message Stick. He has conducted research and lectured at Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, the... Read More →
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
uLead Book Store
  uLead Book Signing

2:45pm MDT

The Well Principal: Balancing Leadership, Wellness, and School Culture
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Cascade Room (Main Building)
In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving educational landscape, School Administrators are expected to lead with strength, compassion, and resiliency, often at the expense of their own well-being. The Well Principal explores the vital interconnection between School Administrator health, effective leadership, and the cultivation of a positive school culture. This presentation will offer practical...
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Speakers
avatar for Justin Noseworthy

Justin Noseworthy

School Principal, NL Schools / Newfoundland Labrador Teachers Association
Justin Noseworthy is an educational leader currently serving as the Principal of a small rural Elementary School in Newfoundland and Labrador. Justin has been a Principal since 2018. With experience leading Elementary and K-12 All-Grade schools, Justin brings a broad perspective to... Read More →

The Well Principal Systemic Literature Review (Presentation Supporting Document) pdf
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Cascade Room (Main Building)
  Wellness

2:45pm MDT

Women in Leadership: Evolving Perspectives in a Changing Educational Landscape
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Theatre (Conference Centre)
This session explores the evolving landscape of Women in educational leadership. Kathryn Olson through the lens of a woman who has served in the Calgary Catholic School District for nearly three decades. Drawing from her experiences across classroom, school, and district-level leadership, this session will examine how the role of women in education has continued to be shaped by changing societal,...
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Speakers
avatar for Kathryn Olson

Kathryn Olson

Kathryn Olson has served with the Calgary Catholic School District for 28 years and is currently Supervisor of Arts & Culture in Learning Services. She fosters inclusive, faith-filled environments that celebrate diversity and support smooth transitions for students and families. Her... Read More →
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Theatre (Conference Centre)
  WIL

2:45pm MDT

Multi-Faith Space (open and available to all)
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Robert Ritchie Room (Conference Centre)
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Robert Ritchie Room (Conference Centre)
  Zero Stimulation Zones

2:45pm MDT

Quiet Work Space
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm 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.
Sunday April 19, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
David Obrien Room (Conference Center)
  Zero Stimulation Zones

3:45pm MDT

TRANSITION
Sunday April 19, 2026 3:45pm - 4:00pm MDT
TBA
Sunday April 19, 2026 3:45pm - 4:00pm MDT
TBA
  Transition

4:00pm MDT

AI for School Leadership: Supporting Meaningful, Ethical, and Practical Change
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Alberta Room (Main Building)
Leading a school community through digital change isn't just about learning the newest tools; as leaders, we also need a deliberate focus on culture, skills and collaboration. In this session, we will discover practical ways to use AI tools, develop ethical AI practices, and explore strategies to lead AI implementation in...
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Speakers
avatar for Nancy Luyckfassel

Nancy Luyckfassel

Coordinator, Professional Development, The Alberta Teachers' Association
Nancy Luyckfassel is an educational leader from Alberta. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and two master's degrees: one in secondary education and another in school counselling, with a focus on teacher wellness. Nancy’s career began in the classroom... Read More →
AI for School Leaders 2026 04 19 uLead Share pdf
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Alberta Room (Main Building)
  Alberta Teachers' Association

4:00pm MDT

Navigating the World of Professional Regulation-From an Alberta and Global Perspective
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Oak Room (Main Building)
Educational regulators have statutory authority to impose disciplinary and certification decisions with legally binding consequences for teachers and teacher leaders. While these processes are essential to maintaining public trust and professional standards, they can be complex, disruptive, and high-stakes for the educators involved. Even highly competent teachers may become subject to complaints...
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Speakers
avatar for Tim Jeffares

Tim Jeffares

Associate Coordinator, Regulatory Affairs, The Alberta Teachers' Association
Tim Jeffares is the Association's associate coordinator responsible for regulatory affairs. Prior to being hired by the Associaiton, Tim was the director of investigations and as a senior manager in leadership excellence with Alberta Education, and worked as a teacher and school leader... Read More →
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Oak Room (Main Building)
  Alberta Teachers' Association

4:00pm MDT

Women in Catholic Leadership: Journeys of Faith and Service
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Ivor Petrack Room (Main Building)
Description: This panel of Division Leadership staff will share their journey in Catholic Educational Leadership. They will share their experiences of moving from the classroom to school leadership to Division leadership and how faith served as the common thread. The key takeaways include: a personal witness from women in Catholic leadership roles, strategies for mentoring and empowering women...
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Speakers
avatar for Victoria Cornick

Victoria Cornick

Superintendent, Holy Family Catholic Regional Division
Victoria Cornick is the Superintendent of the Holy Family Catholic Regional Division (HFCRD), serving approximately 2,000 students across the communities of Peace River, Grimshaw, Manning, Fairview, High Prairie, Valleyview, and McLennan. Over her more than 20 years with HFCRD, she... Read More →
avatar for Lisa Hilsenteger

Lisa Hilsenteger

Deputy Superintendent-HR, Fort McMurray Catholic Schools
Lisa Hilsenteger serves as the Deputy Superintendent of Fort McMurray Catholic Schools, specializing in Human Resources. A proud graduate of the University of Alberta,Lisa returned to Fort McMurray, embarking on a 37-year career dedicated to Fort McMurray Catholic Schools..
Her professional journey began in the elementary classroom before she discovered a profound passion for teaching students in Grades 7 and 8. She successfully served as Vice Principal and Principal across both the elementary and high school levels prior to assuming her current position... Read More →
avatar for Chantel Axani

Chantel Axani

Chantel Axani is the Chief Superintendent of Holy Spirit School Division, where she leads 16 schools and one outreach centre that support approximately 5700 students across the region. She approaches her role with a deep commitment to modeling the Catholic faith and to fostering excellence... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Andrea Holowka

Dr. Andrea Holowka

Superintendent for Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools, serving approximately 10,500 students in Okotoks, High River, Brooks, Strathmore, Canmore, Drumheller, and Oyen. Since 1995, she has led as teacher, principal, associate and chief superintendent, including system leadership... Read More →
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Ivor Petrack Room (Main Building)
  Catholic

4:00pm MDT

Embedding Human Rights and Equity into Leadership
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Baron Shaughnessy Room (Conference Centre)
Leadership is about decision making. This session will be focused around the phrase 'centering the needs of the under-represented and under-served' and will examine who school leaders centre in decision making and how school leaders can navigate the challenges of honouring human rights, competing human rights and facing resistance.
Speakers
avatar for Irfan Toor

Irfan Toor

Social Justice and Anti-Oppression Advisor, Ontario Principals' Council
Irfan Toor (he/him) has been an educator for over 30 years in many different roles and locations. Irfan has spent time as a teaching assistant, a classroom teacher, a school based Vice-Principal and Principal and also as a system based Principal. He is currently the Social Justice... Read More →
ULead (Apr 2026) Centering Human Rights pdf
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Baron Shaughnessy Room (Conference Centre)
  DEHR

4:00pm MDT

Tous ensemble : Accompagner, Collaborer, Réussir — En Action Concertée
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Norquay Room (Main Building)
Cet atelier propose une exploration stratégique du continuum de soutien collaboratif du Service aux élèves du Conseil scolaire FrancoSud, un modèle conçu pour relever le double défi du milieu minoritaire : assurer la réussite scolaire et renforcer l'identité francophone. Le modèle, qui place le bien-être de l'élève au centre de sa mission, est fondé sur la conviction que chaque adulte...
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Speakers
avatar for Isabelle Trottier

Isabelle Trottier

Conseillère pédagogique en inclusion, Francosud
Isabelle Trottier œuvre dans le domaine de l’éducation depuis 25 ans et occupe présentement le poste de conseillère pédagogique en inclusion. Les différentes fonctions exercées au cours de sa carrière lui ont permis de bien comprendre la réalité et les défis des milieux... Read More →
avatar for Céline Tassé

Céline Tassé

Superviseure du Service aux élèves (inclusion), Conseil scolaire FrancoSud
Originaire du Québec, Céline s’est établie en Alberta en 2007 avec sa famille. Comptant plus de 33 ans d’expérience en éducation, elle occupe actuellement le poste de superviseure en inclusion au Service aux élèves du Conseil scolaire FrancoSud, où elle collabore avec... Read More →
avatar for Monique Baker

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 →
avatar for Monique Landry

Monique Landry

Enseignante accompagnatrice
Originaire du Nouveau-Brunswick et établie en Alberta depuis 2023, Monique Landry cumule plus de 22 ans d’expérience en éducation, dont 15 ans en inclusion scolaire. Titulaire d’un certificat 6 en inclusion scolaire et d’un certificat d'intervention en autisme de niveau 2... Read More →
avatar for Annie Gauthier Desrochers

Annie Gauthier Desrochers

directrice, École des Hautes Plaines
Passionnée d'éducation et d'inclusion scolaire, mère d'un enfant autiste, elle cumule plus de 30 ans d'expérience comme enseignante de mathématiques dont 17 ans en administration scolaire. Détentrice d'une maîtrise en éducation axée sur l'inclusion, son parcours est profondément... Read More →
avatar for Marilyn Houde

Marilyn Houde

Gestionnaire de projet, FrancoSud
Madame Marilyn Houde a une formation en éducation spécialisée et en intervention en délinquance, et détient un certificat en toxicomanie de l’Université de Montréal. Forte d’une expérience auprès des jeunes mères adolescentes et des enfants ayant des besoins particuliers... Read More →
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Norquay Room (Main Building)
  Francophone

4:00pm MDT

Walking with Wisdom: Leading Professional Learning Through Indigenous Pedagogy
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Theatre (Conference Centre)
This session invites school leaders to explore how Indigenous Pedagogy (centered on the 8 Ways of Aboriginal Learning framework) can transform professional learning into a practice of connection, storytelling, and collective growth. Participants will engage with strategies that honor Indigenous ways of knowing, leading, and teaching while deepening their role as lead learners. Walk away with...
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Speakers
avatar for Dr. Denise Heppner

Dr. Denise Heppner

Associate Director, Professional Learning, Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation
Denise Heppner (PhD) leads professional learning for educators across the province of Saskatchewan. She has also presented at both national and international conferences.
RH

Rob Heppner

Class Complexity Teacher, Prairie Spirit School Division
Rob Heppner (MEd) has a wealth of experience as an educator and Administrator. He has shared his expertise at a variety of local and national conferences.
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Theatre (Conference Centre)
  Indigenous

4:00pm MDT

Making It Stick - How To Ensure Sustained Change
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)
After most professional learning sessions, teachers leave energized; excited to return to the classroom and begin implementing the promising new ideas they've just encountered.  Yet, almost inevitably, a week later they are back to doing what they've always done - now wondering why they were ever so excited in the first place. Why do new ideas and professional learning so often fail to...
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Speakers
avatar for Jared Cooney Horvath

Jared Cooney Horvath

Director, LME Global
Jared Cooney Horvath (PhD, MEd) is a neuroscientist, educator, and author of the best-selling book Stop Talking, Start Influencing: 12 Insights from Brain Science to Make Your Message Stick. He has conducted research and lectured at Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, the... Read More →
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)
  Instructional Leadership

4:00pm MDT

Culture, Compassion, and Excellence: The Triple Threat of Transformational School Leadership
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Cascade Room (Main Building)
Creating a thriving school community requires more than policies and procedures! It demands intentional leadership that fosters a culture of trust, compassion, and instructional excellence. In this dynamic session, we'll explore how leaders can cultivate meaningful connections between staff and students, strengthen collaboration among colleagues, and build a supportive school community where...
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Speakers
avatar for Heather Kaup

Heather Kaup

Principal, Edmonton Catholic Schools
Heather has served as an Administrator for 18, the past 11 as Lead Learner/Principal. During her tenure as Principal, Heather's key focus has been to build and cultivate school culture where learning is at centre, communities are inclusive and staff are valued and appreciated so they... Read More →
Tranformational Leadership Handout ULead 2026 pdf
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Cascade Room (Main Building)
  School Culture

4:00pm MDT

Reimagining Leadership - Lead Learners to Ignite a Collective Impact
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Sir Edward Beatty (Conference Centre)
What happens when school leadership is no longer about hierarchy, but about trust and shared responsibility? In this session, we'll share our journey growing as lead learners - leaders who coach, reflect, and grow alongside their peers. Grounded in our school's motto, Ignite Your Flame, this work redefined leadership as a collective process rooted in listening, vulnerability, and mutual respect.
Speakers
DF

Darren Fleischhacker

Darren has 34 years of experience in education, including five as a high school vice principal. With a background in drama and outreach, he now focuses on instructional leadership and student-centered learning.
DE

Dianne Enyedy

Vice-Principal, Wm E Hay Stettler Secondary Campus
Dianne is a vice principal with 26 years of experience in education. She is dedicated to student success and building strong school communities, and is also a proud mother of three.
avatar for Rachelle Campeau

Rachelle Campeau

William E Hay High Composite
Rachelle has been an educator for 17 years, but is an artist at heart. She brings her passion for art in all forms to her students. Rachelle is the team leader of a vibrant and varied Fine Arts department.
BF

Brittaney Fankhanel

Brittaney has taught at Wm. E. Hay for 15 years and has served as Vice Principal for the past ten. She values relationships, leads with empathy, and is deeply passionate about math and professional growth.
SF

Sandy Foster

Sandy is a veteran educator with 38 years of experience, teaching Math, Science, and Physical Education. As MathTeam Leader, she is passionate about student engagement and collaborative teaching, and loves spending time with her family.
CM

Charisse McDonald

Charisse has been an educator for 30 years, spending most of that time in the gym during school, after school and on weekends. Charisse is Wm. E. Hay's Athletic Director and Phys Ed Team Leader, focusing on building student success and confidence through sport.
BN

Brett Nixon

Teacher
Brett has worked with junior high students for 20 years and currently leads the Social Studies Team. He brings energy to the classroom and to the rink, where he enjoys coaching hockey in his free time.
DM

Dave Morris

Dave has taught a range of technology-based CTS courses for 24 years and is in his fourth year as CTS Department Head. He is committed to hands-on, practical learning that prepares students for real-world success.
ME

Michael Enyedy

Mike has been an educator for 30 years at Wm. E. Hay and currently serves as the Science Team Leader. He is passionate about fostering curiosity in the sciences and values time outdoors with his family.
KB

Karen Belland

Karen is a 29 year veteran teacher and the Inclusive Education lead teacher and team leader at Wm. E. Hay. She is committed to supporting the success of all learners by building authentic relationships, earning students' trust, and designing engaging, accessible learning experien... Read More →
avatar for Myranda Shepherd

Myranda Shepherd

Myranda is an accomplished educator with 20 years of experience, having served as a teacher, vice principal, principal, consultant for Alberta Education’s High School Redesign, and Assistant Superintendent. A dynamic and visionary leader, she is deeply committed to advancing student... Read More →
CP

Christine Peterson

Christine is a passionate leader and a dedicated lifelong learner, having spent 26 years in education with 6 of those being in Administration. She operates on the core conviction that every student deserves to be deeply engaged in their learning and possesses the potential to achieve... Read More →
DA

Darren Arbeau

Darren is entering his 19th year of teaching. You will find him in his English classroom, his Social Studies classroom, and in the Theatre teaching Drama as well. Darren's most precious things are his family and traveling the world in the summer!
avatar for Stu Henry

Stu Henry

After a 33 year career in the education field with 29 years in leadership roles, Stu is now semi-retired, operating a successful Executive Coaching and Consulting company. He has been successfully coaching clients and facilitating their self-growth and has over 5000 hours of experience... Read More →
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Sir Edward Beatty (Conference Centre)
  School Culture

4:00pm MDT

Advancing Education with Evidence of Impact - Methods for Measuring the Impact of Technology
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
D C Coleman (Conference Centre)
School systems around the world are navigating a complex set of priorities—from addressing unfinished learning and retaining exceptional educators to ensuring students develop the digital skills needed for an evolving future. These challenges require thoughtful, intentional approaches. While there may not be a single solution, equipping schools with the right tools is an important first step. ...
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Speakers
avatar for Shawn Lennie

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 →
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
D C Coleman (Conference Centre)
  Technology

4:00pm MDT

Hannah Beach Book Signing
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
uLead Book Store

Speakers
avatar for Hannah Beach

Hannah Beach

Hannah Beach is an award-winning educator, author, emotional health consultant, and keynote speaker who speaks about the power of relationship and play worldwide. She is the co-author of the best-selling book Reclaiming Our Students: Why Children Are More Anxious, Aggressive, and... Read More →
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
uLead Book Store
  uLead Book Signing

4:00pm MDT

Who Takes Care of the Leaders?
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
New Brunswick Room (Main Building)
There is a robust conversation in schools and school divisions across Canada about mental health and wellbeing, and this is necessary. Our schools, systems and teams need to continue this conversation to support our students in their challenges and in their wellness, and in supporting our staff alongside them. As system leaders, we champion this work and support it fully; but we have also...
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Speakers
avatar for Nadia Delanoy

Nadia Delanoy

Assistant Professor- Leadership, Policy, and Governance and Learning Sciences, University of Calgary
Nadia Delanoy (PhD) has her roots in K-12 from an educator, department head, educational technologist and director. In post-secondary, Dr. Delanoy's research focuses on how people lead and learn in complex and dynamic systems. Her doctoral research examined the use of big data and... Read More →
avatar for Christopher Fuzessy, PhD

Christopher Fuzessy, PhD

Superintendent of Schools/Chief Education Officer, Foothills School Division
Dr. Chris Fuzessy joined the Foothills School Division team as Superintendent of Schools in June 2019. Since that time, the division has benefited from his commitment to excellence in serving students and their families, and his expertise in developing initiatives aimed at enhancing... Read More →
avatar for Stephen MacGregor

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 →
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
New Brunswick Room (Main Building)
  Wellness

4:00pm MDT

Multi-Faith Space (open and available to all)
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Robert Ritchie Room (Conference Centre)
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Robert Ritchie Room (Conference Centre)
  Zero Stimulation Zones

4:00pm MDT

Quiet Work Space
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm 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.
Sunday April 19, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
David Obrien Room (Conference Center)
  Zero Stimulation Zones

5:00pm MDT

DUELING PIANOS SOCIAL AND REFRESHMENTS
Sunday April 19, 2026 5:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Alhambra Room (Main Building)
Come and Go through out the evening.  This event is free for conference delegates.  If you would like to bring a guest, there will be a $20 charge at the door.  Debit and Credit card will be accepted as forms of payment.
Sunday April 19, 2026 5:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Alhambra Room (Main Building)
  Social
 
Monday, April 20
 

6:30am MDT

Monday Morning Majestic Mountain Meandering (5km run/walk)
Monday April 20, 2026 6:30am - 7:30am MDT
Hotel Lobby
Join us for a slow 5km mountain jog and walk.  In this out and back jog, participants will be lead up to a vantage point that overlooks the Bow river and our beautiful conference venue.  All skill levels welcome.Participants are asked to meet in the hotel lobby and we will depart at promptly at 6:30 and return between 7:00 and 7:30.Join us for some morning exercise and an opportunity to...
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Monday April 20, 2026 6:30am - 7:30am MDT
Hotel Lobby
  Social

6:45am MDT

Starbucks Stroll
Monday April 20, 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!
Monday April 20, 2026 6:45am - 7:45am MDT
Hotel Lobby
  Social

7:30am MDT

BREAKFAST
Monday April 20, 2026 7:30am - Tuesday April 21, 2026 9:00am MDT
Riverview Lounge (Main Building)
Monday April 20, 2026 7:30am - Tuesday April 21, 2026 9:00am MDT
Riverview Lounge (Main Building)
  Meals and Breaks

8:00am MDT

ULEAD CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Monday April 20, 2026 8:00am - 8:15am MDT
Van Horne Foyer (Conference Centre)
Monday April 20, 2026 8:00am - 8:15am MDT
Van Horne Foyer (Conference Centre)
  Registration

9:00am MDT

Coffee with the Custodian - Keynote
Monday April 20, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)
An EduFable™ on Why Education Is a People Business (And Always Will Be) From the creator of the EduFable™, a new genre that transforms professional learning through story, comes this powerful and heartfelt keynote about the kind of leadership that truly lasts. In Coffee with the Custodian, Dr. Brad Johnson weaves narrative and neuroscience to remind leaders that trust, consistency, and...
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Speakers
avatar for Brad Johnson

Brad Johnson

Dr. Brad Johnson is a globally recognized education thought leader, ranked #2 on the Global Gurus Top 30 in Education. As the best-selling author of 20 books, many of which have been translated into multiple languages, he is a leading voice in leadership, motivation, and teacher empowerment.With... Read More →

Monday April 20, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)
  Keynote

10:15am MDT

BREAK and Transition(COFFEE AND REFRESHMENTS)
Monday April 20, 2026 10:15am - 10:45am MDT
Van Horne Foyer (Conference Centre)
Monday April 20, 2026 10:15am - 10:45am MDT
Van Horne Foyer (Conference Centre)
  Meals and Breaks

10:45am MDT

Leading Through Polycrises: Building Community and Improving Learning in Complex Environments
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Alberta Room (Main Building)
School and system leaders in Alberta are leading in a moment unlike any other. At the same time as they are nurturing learning communities and improving classroom and organizational conditions, they are also responding to repeated and compounding shocks—labour disruption, staffing shortages, growing student complexity, fiscal constraint, policy volatility, and heightened public scrutiny. The...
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Speakers
avatar for Dr. Phil McRae

Dr. Phil McRae

Associate Coordinator, Research, The Alberta Teachers' Association
Dr. Phil McRae 
www.philmcrae.com
 
Dr. Phil McRae is an internationally recognized thought leader and speaker focused on K to 20 education, school improvement, artificial intelligence and change in complex human systems. By combining novel research with keynote, advisory, and policy engagements on megatrends, societal... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Lisa Everitt

Dr. Lisa Everitt

Executive Staff Officer, The Alberta Teachers' Association
Dr. Lisa Everitt is an Executive Staff Officer with the Alberta Teachers’ Association, a role she has held since 2006. Over nearly two decades with the Association, she has developed expertise in labour relations, employee benefits, educational research, and women’s leadership... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Alberta Room (Main Building)
  Alberta Teachers' Association

10:45am MDT

Walking the Broken Hearted Home: Responding to Critical Incidents in School Communities
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Ivor Petrack Room (Main Building)
Mental health is integral to whole-person formation. This session will highlight how Catholic leaders respond to staff and student mental health needs — and even critical incidents — with strategies rooted in faith, compassion, and resilience. Participants will leave equipped with practical tools and a renewed focus on wellness in Catholic schools. Key Takeaways include: Strategies...
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Speakers
avatar for Dr. Kevin Warriner

Dr. Kevin Warriner

Area Director, NE Schools, Calgary Catholic School District
Dr. Kevin Warriner currently serves in the role of Area Director, NE Schools for Calgary Catholic School District. Previously, he served as Supervisor, Religious Education and Family Life for 5 years. He completed his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at the University... Read More →
avatar for Aileen Taylor

Aileen Taylor

Aileen Taylor currently serves as the Coordinator of Mental Health Services for Christ the Redeemer Catholic School Division. She has 26 years of experience in school-based mental health, having worked as a teacher, school counsellor, and district leader. Her career began in the Rocky... Read More →
avatar for John Wasch

John Wasch

John Wasch serves as the Director, Catholicity for the Calgary Catholic School District. He has worked in Catholic education in Alberta for 31 years as a teacher, principal and district administrator. John currently supervises the work of Calgary Catholic's Critical Incident Response... Read More →
Walking the Broken Hearted Home DRAFT 3 pdf
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Ivor Petrack Room (Main Building)
  Catholic

10:45am MDT

Be An Upstander: Finding Hope in Complex Times
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Theatre (Conference Centre)
Global crisis', rights and equity issues are entering, and sometimes disrupting, classrooms with increasing frequency, leaving both students and educators feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. In this session, the Be an Upstander program and other approaches to create environments where they can explore complex topics and equip students with tools to address injustice. Participants will also examine...
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Speakers
avatar for Sarah Adomako-Ansah

Sarah Adomako-Ansah

Manager of Education Outreach, Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Sarah Adomako-Ansah is a graduate of the University of Alberta, B. Ed (’13). She is a former teacher with the Edmonton Catholic School Division, teaching grades three through six from 2013 until 2021. She was the Division’s first Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Consultant... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Theatre (Conference Centre)
  DEHR

10:45am MDT

Renewing Treaty and Agreements Education: Learning From Elders
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Baron Shaughnessy Room (Conference Centre)
As part of the new Alberta Teaching Quality Standard, teachers and system leaders across Alberta are required to have a foundational understanding of the implications of treaties with First Nations and legislation and agreements with Métis. However, questions remain about what this foundational understanding entails and how this work can be ethically enacted in schools by a largely...
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Speakers
RR

Robert Ranger

Robert Ranger is the Learning Services Supervisor for the Calgary Catholic School District, and is Métis. In his role, he also leads the Indigenous Education Team focussing on empowering Indigenous youth.
avatar for David Scott

David Scott

Associate Professor, University of Calgary
David Scott (Ph.D.) is an associate professor of curriculum and learning in the University of Calgary's Werklund School of Education. His research focuses on how non-Indigenous educators negotiate curricular directives to engage foundational Indigenous philosophies and historical... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Baron Shaughnessy Room (Conference Centre)
  Indigenous

10:45am MDT

Leading Place-Based Education to Strengthen Rural Student Pathways
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Norquay Room (Main Building)
At Holden Rural Academy, Alberta's first place-based charter school, learning is organized around the principle that "the place is the teacher." The school has developed a model that ties student learning directly to community, work, and postsecondary pathways. This session will share insights from a multi-year research–practice partnership between researchers from the Werklund School of...
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Speakers
SF

Sharon Friesen

University of Calgary
Dr. Sharon Friesen is a Professor at the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. Her research interests include the ways in which K-12 educational structures, leadership, teaching, and learning need to be redesigned to meet the demands of contemporary society. She... Read More →
avatar for Stephen MacGregor

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 →
WO

Wesley Oginski

Superintendent, Holden Rural Academy
Wesley Oginski is an experienced Alberta educator and leader with experience in small rural and large urban school authorities, including Grande Yellowhead Public Schools, Rocky View Schools and Northland School Division. He began his career as a teacher in a small rural school in... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Norquay Room (Main Building)
  Instructional Leadership

10:45am MDT

The Importance of Instructional Leadership and Its Power to Change Schools
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
New Brunswick Room (Main Building)
Join Doug Duff to explore how instructional leadership can drive school-wide improvement through mathematics education. This session covers leadership capacity, connected number thinking, and aligning impactful instructional practices. Key questions include: How can math serve as a catalyst for school and system improvement? What measurable indicators enhance student achievement? How can shared...
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Speakers
avatar for Doug Duff

Doug Duff

Principal Instructional Leadership Coach
Doug Duff is a Principal Instructional Leadership Coach, working nationally and internationally with school districts on school improvement. During his 20 years as a principal and various supervisory roles, Doug has been particularly interested in math education and school and district... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
New Brunswick Room (Main Building)
  Instructional Leadership

10:45am MDT

Leadership Rewired
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Cascade Room (Main Building)
Everyone is wired for survival — to protect, control, and react. But great leadership begins when we learn to rewire. In this dynamic, research-based keynote, Dr. Brad Johnson reveals how fear-based habits quietly shape culture and communication — and how leaders can reprogram their mindset toward trust, creativity, and connection. Drawing from neuroscience and real-world leadership stories,...
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Speakers
avatar for Brad Johnson

Brad Johnson

Dr. Brad Johnson is a globally recognized education thought leader, ranked #2 on the Global Gurus Top 30 in Education. As the best-selling author of 20 books, many of which have been translated into multiple languages, he is a leading voice in leadership, motivation, and teacher empowerment.With... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Cascade Room (Main Building)
  School Culture

10:45am MDT

Beyond Control: Reimagining School Leadership and Teacher Agency in the Age of Generative AI
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Alhambra Room (Main Building)
School leadership was built for an era that no longer exists, while generative AI is transforming teaching, learning, and knowledge work faster than systems and policies can adapt. In our work with school and district leaders, we see a consistent pattern in which conversations about AI often trigger control, restriction, or compliance-oriented responses, even though research shows this can...
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Speakers
avatar for Anita Khakh

Anita Khakh

K-12 Education Advisor, Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (amii)
Anita Khakh is the K-12 Education Advisor on the Training team at the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii). She brings a unique blend of experience as a classroom teacher and fund development professional, having worked with a wide range of stakeholders across the education... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Alhambra Room (Main Building)
  Technology

10:45am MDT

Mobilizing Inquiry-Based Learning at Scale: Lessons from Maple Ridge’s 1:1 Journey
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
D C Coleman (Conference Centre)
Join us for an engaging exploration of strategies for mobilizing inquiry-based learning at scale. This session highlights how leaders from Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows partnered with Apple Education to activate their inquiry program to deepen curiosity, foster student agency, and unlock authentic learning experiences—supported by a 1:1 iPad environment, intentional leadership, and focused...
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Speakers
DV

David Vandergutten

Assistant Superintendent, SD42 Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows
Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2004. David Vandergugten M.Ed, is a Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence 1997 recipient and is the Assistant Superintendent in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, British Columbia.  David has taught at all levels of the public school system... Read More →
YM

Yas Mann

Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2026. With 18 years of experience in education, Yas Mann is the District Helping Teacher for Grade 6/7 Inquiry and K–7 Numeracy in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, British Columbia. She co-leads a district-wide inquiry program that integrates purposeful... Read More →
avatar for Shawn Lennie

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 →
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
D C Coleman (Conference Centre)
  Technology

10:45am MDT

Shane Safir Book Signing
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
uLead Book Store

Speakers
avatar for Shane Safir

Shane Safir

Keynote Speaker, Listening & Leading for Equity
Shane Safir has worked at every level of the education system, from the classroom to the boardroom, for over 25 years. In 2003, after teaching in San Francisco and Oakland and organizing in the community to launch a new public high school, Safir became the founding principal of June... Read More →
avatar for Sawsan Jaber

Sawsan Jaber

Consultant / Educator, D212/ Education Unfiltered Consulting
DDr. Sawsan Jaber is a global educator, presenter, equity strategist, and keynote speaker of 20+ years. She has held a variety of leadership positions both in the U.S. and abroad.  Dr. Jaber is currently a high school English teacher and a District Equity Leader at East Leyden High... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
uLead Book Store
  uLead Book Signing

10:45am MDT

Leading After Leaving: Leadership Beyond the Position
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Oak Room (Main Building)
What does it mean to lead when you're no longer in a formal leadership role? Drawing from rich narrative research with retired male educators now teaching pre-service teachers, this session explores how leadership evolves—but never ends. Delegates will gain insight into sustaining purpose, mentoring the next generation, and navigating identity in new professional contexts. This session...
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Speakers
avatar for Garry Jones

Garry Jones

sessional instructor, University of Calgary
Dr. Garry Jones has been teaching in Calgary for 45 years, from kindergarten to university. He is an experienced teacher, curriculum specialist, principal and researcher. He has presented workshops about teaching boys, and about the experiences of male elementary teachers. On "retiring... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Oak Room (Main Building)
  Wellness

10:45am MDT

Leading Voices in Education - Professional Learning Reimagined
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Sir Edward Beatty (Conference Centre)
What if you didn't need to drive across the city to attend Pro-D? Come hear how two female leaders in education helped redefine professional learning by launching the Leading Voices in Education podcast. They will weave in highlight reels from episodes with world leader Jacinda Ardern, and thought leaders - Dr Gabor Mate, Dr. Gordon Neufeld, Dr. Lori Desautels, Dr. Shelley Moore, Dr, Peter Senge,...
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Speakers
avatar for Dr. Kristi Blakeway

Dr. Kristi Blakeway

Director of Instruction, Surrey Schools
Dr. Kristi Blakeway is a Director of Instruction in Surrey Schools, TEDx speaker, and YWCA Woman of Distinction. She is a co-host on the Leading Voices in Education podcast showcasing educators and thought leaders around the world!
SC

Sundeep Chohan

Principal and Podcast co-host of Leading Voices in Education, Surrey Schools
Sundeep Chohan is an elementary school principal from Surrey BC who redefined professional learning by proposing the idea of a new podcast. She is co-host of the Leading Voices in Education podcast featuring educators and thought leaders around the globe. Leading Voices in Education... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Sir Edward Beatty (Conference Centre)
  WIL

10:45am MDT

Multi-Faith Space (open and available to all)
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Robert Ritchie Room (Conference Centre)
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Robert Ritchie Room (Conference Centre)
  Zero Stimulation Zones

10:45am MDT

Quiet Work Space
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am 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.
Monday April 20, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
David Obrien Room (Conference Center)
  Zero Stimulation Zones

12:00pm MDT

LUNCH (Baron Shaugngessy, DC Coleman, Sir Edward Beatty, Van Horne Ballroom)
Monday April 20, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
TBA

Monday April 20, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
TBA
  Meals and Breaks

1:00pm MDT

Street Data: A Next-Generation Model for Equity, Pedagogy and School Transformation
Monday April 20, 2026 1:00pm - 2:15pm MDT
Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)
Street data is the qualitative and experiential data that emerges at eye level and on lower frequencies when we train our brains to discern it. Street data is asset based, building on culturally responsive education by focusing on what’s right in our students, schools, and communities instead of seeking out what’s wrong. Street data embodies an ethos and a change methodology that will...
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Speakers
avatar for Shane Safir

Shane Safir

Keynote Speaker, Listening & Leading for Equity
Shane Safir has worked at every level of the education system, from the classroom to the boardroom, for over 25 years. In 2003, after teaching in San Francisco and Oakland and organizing in the community to launch a new public high school, Safir became the founding principal of June... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 1:00pm - 2:15pm MDT
Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)
  Keynote

2:15pm MDT

TRANSITION
Monday April 20, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBA
Monday April 20, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm MDT
TBA
  Transition

2:45pm MDT

Mitigating Risks in a Digital World
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Theatre (Conference Centre)
This session explores the growing risks and responsibilities associated with digital technology in education, focusing on how misuse can lead to serious professional and legal consequences. Leaders will learn strategies to mitigate e-liability, protect staff and students, and uphold privacy and professional boundaries in an increasingly connected world. Practical guidance and case studies will...
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Speakers
avatar for Dr. Amy Villneff

Dr. Amy Villneff

Executive Staff Officer, Teacher Employment Services, The Alberta Teachers' Association
Amy has been an educator for over two decades including as an assistant principal and principal. She attained a BEd and MEd from the University of Alberta and an EdD from Western University. She has been with the ATA since 2024 and is passionate about supporting teachers and administrators... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Theatre (Conference Centre)
  Alberta Teachers' Association

2:45pm MDT

Being an Influencer in Catholic Education - Fanning the Flames of Joy - Attracting and Growing Catholic Education
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Ivor Petrack Room (Main Building)
A session on how to share the JOY of Catholic Education with shareholders utilizing social media and other communication tools to share the Good News of publicly funded Catholic Education. Participants will leave with tangible examples of best practices in use of social media and sharing the Good News of Catholic Education.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Kleparchuk

Lisa Kleparchuk

Lisa Kleparchuk is the dedicated Principal of St. Gabriel Education Centre, the Outreach High School for Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools. With 12 years of experience as an administrator and a deeply held belief in the mission of Catholic education, Lisa is an influential advocate... Read More →
SC
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Ivor Petrack Room (Main Building)
  Catholic

2:45pm MDT

Who's Included in Inclusion? Creating Inclusive Environments for 2SLGBTQ+ Youth
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Sir Edward Beatty (Conference Centre)
This session explores the challenges school leaders face in fostering safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all students, with a particular focus on supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth. Drawing on the Catholic social teaching of dignity, the presentation focuses on ethical and transformative leadership approaches that can help navigate the challenges of providing a safe and inclusive space for...
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Speakers
DV

Daron Van Lingen

Dr. Daron Van Lingen is a principal with Fort McMurray Catholic Schools. With 9 years of experience in administration from ECS to grade 12, she is passionate about fostering an equitable and inclusive educational environment for all students to learn and grow. She is excited to share... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Sir Edward Beatty (Conference Centre)
  DEHR

2:45pm MDT

De l’inscription à l’intégration : Coordonner l’équipe-école pour l’accueil des nouveaux arrivants
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Norquay Room (Main Building)
Comment votre établissement assure-t-il un accueil pratique et efficace des nouveaux arrivants et de leurs familles ? Cet atelier présente le Protocole d'accueil des nouveaux arrivants du Conseil scolaire FrancoSud, un processus structuré qui transforme l'inscription initiale en une intégration réussie.Nous explorerons :Les étapes clés du processus, de l'inscription au plan d'accueil...
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Speakers
avatar for Isabelle Rioux

Isabelle Rioux

Conseillère pédagogique, Conseil scolaire FrancoSud
Madame Isabelle Rioux oeuvre dans le domaine de l'éducation depuis plus de 20 ans et occupe présentement un des postes de conseillère pédagogique au sein du conseil scolaire FrancoSud. Son parcours inclut aussi l’occupation des rôles d’enseignante de français au secondaire... Read More →
avatar for Julie Vaillancourt

Julie Vaillancourt

Directrice d’école engagée dans l’éducation francophone depuis 2005, Julie Vaillancourt cumule 18 ans d’expérience en administration scolaire. Véritablement investie dans le développement et le succès de chaque élève, elle est reconnue pour sa vision claire et son leadership... Read More →
avatar for Monique Baker

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 →
avatar for Petronille Makuetche

Petronille Makuetche

Petronille Makuetche est enseignante accompagnatrice et responsable du pôle carrefour au sein du conseil scolaire francosud où elle joue un rôle clé dans la réussite des élèves à risque et dans l’intégration scolaire, sociale et culturelle des élèves nouveaux arrivants... Read More →
Présentation ULead Protocole d'accueil 2026 pdf
Protocole daccueil nouveaux arrivants (4) pdf
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Norquay Room (Main Building)
  Francophone

2:45pm MDT

Reconnecting With Our Roots
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Baron Shaughnessy Room (Conference Centre)
A look at the First Nations, Metis & Inuit Education Team's approach that has developed a strong and meaningful relationship with students, families and staff. The growth of the F.N.M.I Education Program that has helped increase the number of self declared students from 318 (September 2018) to 642 (November 2025). Reconnecting with our roots through leadership guided by Respect, Truth, Humility,...
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Speakers
avatar for Darrell R Willier

Darrell R Willier

First Nations, Metis & Inuit Education Coordinator, MHSD 76
Darrell Willier is from Sucker Creek Cree Nation of north west Alberta. He has been in the education system since 1990 after graduating university and is currently with Medicine Hat Public School Division since August 2018.
avatar for Courtney Lagasse

Courtney Lagasse

Courtney is Metis, with her family roots originating from the Red River Settlement. Courtney is a First Nations, Metis, and Inuit support for Medicine Hat Public School Division. Courtney is currently in her fourth year with the school division and pursuing a bachelor's degree in... Read More →
SB

Shirley Boomer

Shirley is from the Mistawasis Cree Nation of central Saskatchewan. She has been in the education system in western Canada for 25+ years and now with Medicine Hat Public School Division since December 2018.
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Baron Shaughnessy Room (Conference Centre)
  Indigenous

2:45pm MDT

Direct Instruction 101: Building Strong Foundations for Every Learner
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
New Brunswick Room (Main Building)
What if every student could master essential skills with clarity and confidence? Direct Instruction (DI) offers a proven, practical approach to help make that happen. In this hands-on session, explore how explicit, systematic teaching accelerates learning, especially within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). You'll analyze real classroom scenarios, unpack common myths, and discover how to...
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Speakers
avatar for Sam Smith

Sam Smith

Teaching & Learning Lead, Nelson Education
Sam Smith is the Teaching and Learning Lead with Nelson's Classroom Success Team. She is an Ontario certified teacher and has spent over a decade in classroom teaching, special education, and instructional leadership. Her experience spans both public and private sectors, where she... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
New Brunswick Room (Main Building)
  Instructional Leadership

2:45pm MDT

Introduction to Pedagogies of Student Voice Workshop
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)
Building on the bestselling book Pedagogies of Voice (PoV) (Corwin, 2025), this interactive workshop introduces the Student Agency/PoV model, a next-generation instructional framework designed to activate learner agency in response to the challenges and possibilities of the moment. Through artifacts, tools, and reflection prompts, participants explore the case for a Pedagogy of...
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Speakers
avatar for Shane Safir

Shane Safir

Keynote Speaker, Listening & Leading for Equity
Shane Safir has worked at every level of the education system, from the classroom to the boardroom, for over 25 years. In 2003, after teaching in San Francisco and Oakland and organizing in the community to launch a new public high school, Safir became the founding principal of June... Read More →
avatar for Sawsan Jaber

Sawsan Jaber

Consultant / Educator, D212/ Education Unfiltered Consulting
DDr. Sawsan Jaber is a global educator, presenter, equity strategist, and keynote speaker of 20+ years. She has held a variety of leadership positions both in the U.S. and abroad.  Dr. Jaber is currently a high school English teacher and a District Equity Leader at East Leyden High... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Van Horne Ballroom (Conference Centre)
  Instructional Leadership

2:45pm MDT

A Short-Term Exchange: A Journey That Will Inspire, Inform and Transform
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Oak Room (Main Building)
Participating in a leadership exchange offers school leaders a high-impact professional development experience grounded in peer-to-peer learning. These exchanges provide structured opportunities to examine leadership practices at both the school and system levels, fostering meaningful reflection and strategic insight. By stepping into another leader's context, you engage in rigorous dialogue,...
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Speakers
avatar for Carolyn Freed

Carolyn Freed

Exchange Liaison, The Alberta Teachers' Association
ATA Staff
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Oak Room (Main Building)
  Outside Alberta

2:45pm MDT

Being in the Canoe: Leadership Competencies for Principals and Vice-Principals
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Alberta Room (Main Building)
In July 2025, the BC Principals' & Vice-Principals' Association (BCPVPA) soft-launched a new Leadership Competencies framework, the culmination of 2.5 years of collaborative design led by Dr. Andrea McComb and Peter Johnston. Developed through extensive consultation, research, and field-testing, the Competencies offer both a philosophical shift and practical tools for school leadership...
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Speakers
avatar for Peter Johnston

Peter Johnston

Director of Professional & Development, British Columbia Principals' and Vice Principals' Association
If you've ever left a workshop thinking, "That was actually fun — and I learned something," there's a good chance Peter Johnston was in the room.
Peter is a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Trainer, Speaker, and Behaviour Analyst whose approach to professional learning is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: when people are engaged, curious, and enjoying themselves, real learning happens. Every workshop he designs and delivers... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Andrea McComb

Dr. Andrea McComb

Director of Professional Learning & Development, BCPVPA
As the Director of Professional Learning and Development for the BCPVPA, Andrea is dedicated to designing and delivering impactful programming for aspiring, new to role, and experienced leaders. With extensive experience at both school and district levels, she holds portfolios in... Read More →
BCPVPA Program Highlights uLead pdf
bcpvpaleadershipcompetencies ashorttripinthecanoe pdf
bcpvpaleadershipcompetencies beinginthecanoeo pdf
leading through midlife clarity confidence and evidencebased support v2 pdf
2026 BCPVPA LeadingACultureOfLearning pdf
BCPVPA Leadership Story March2026 fillable pdf
2026 BCPVPA Foundations April2026 pdf
2026 BCPVPA Connecting Leaders Conference Final pdf
BCPVPA Associate pdf
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Alberta Room (Main Building)
  School Culture

2:45pm MDT

Nothing More Important Than Culture
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Cascade Room (Main Building)
Culture is the "invisible hand" that guides how people behave, perform and interact in a school. There is nothing more important. Culture shapes how teachers teach, how students learn, and how the broader staff team collaborate.
Speakers
KH

Kim Hutzul

Kim Hutzul, Principal of D.A. Ferguson Middle School in Taber, Alberta, has over two decades of experience dedicated to creating supportive, inclusive, and innovative learning environments. She holds a BEd from the University of Saskatchewan, a Special Education certification, and... Read More →
MG

Melissa Gartly

Melissa Gartly earned her BA/BEd from the University of Lethbridge and has since dedicated her career to rural Alberta education, teaching at the elementary and junior high level and serving as vice-principal before becoming principal. She is passionate about building leaders and... Read More →
GB

Greg Bowes

Greg Bowes, born and raised in southern Saskatchewan, holds a BSc and BEd from the University of Saskatchewan, where he also played for the Huskies Basketball team. After beginning his teaching career in Lethbridge, he joined Horizon School Division in 2010, spending 12 years at WR... Read More →
avatar for Amber Doram

Amber Doram

Teacher, Horizon School Div
Amber Doram holds a BA/BEd from the University of Lethbridge and a diploma in Broadcast Journalism. She began her teaching career in Horizon School Division and has taught across K–12, most recently at the high school level, where her engaging, hands-on approach and high expectations... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Cascade Room (Main Building)
  School Culture

2:45pm MDT

AI in Education: A Value-Driven Framework for Leadership, Decision-Making, and the Future of Learning
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
D C Coleman (Conference Centre)
In a landscape saturated with conversations about AI, this session offers something different: a grounded, values-driven approach that cuts through hype and fear to focus on what truly matters for learners and educators. Apple Education leaders will introduce Five Rules for Technological Change—a set of guiding principles that challenge prevailing narratives and offer a more thoughtful,...
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Speakers
avatar for Shawn Lennie

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 →
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
D C Coleman (Conference Centre)
  Technology

2:45pm MDT

Dr Brad Johnson Book Signing
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
uLead Book Store

Speakers
avatar for Brad Johnson

Brad Johnson

Dr. Brad Johnson is a globally recognized education thought leader, ranked #2 on the Global Gurus Top 30 in Education. As the best-selling author of 20 books, many of which have been translated into multiple languages, he is a leading voice in leadership, motivation, and teacher empowerment.With... Read More →
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
uLead Book Store
  uLead Book Signing

2:45pm MDT

From Disruption to Deepened Purpose
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Alhambra Room (Main Building)
How do school leaders respond when their foundation is tested? This session explores the immediate leadership lessons learned during a temporary disruption to school operations that removed essential staff. Participants will engage with practical strategies for distributed leadership, parent and community engagement, and building sustainable inclusive practices. This presentation emphasizes how...
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Speakers
avatar for Sarah Clark

Sarah Clark

Principal, Foothills School Division
Sarah Clark is an experienced school leader with nearly two decades in education, currently serving as Principal in Foothills School Division. With a focus on inclusive education, literacy development, and evidence-based practice, she led dual-track French Immersion programming, mentored... Read More →
avatar for Christopher Fuzessy, PhD

Christopher Fuzessy, PhD

Superintendent of Schools/Chief Education Officer, Foothills School Division
Dr. Chris Fuzessy joined the Foothills School Division team as Superintendent of Schools in June 2019. Since that time, the division has benefited from his commitment to excellence in serving students and their families, and his expertise in developing initiatives aimed at enhancing... Read More →
avatar for Teddi LaBrash

Teddi LaBrash

Vice Principal, Foothills School Division
Teddi LaBrash is in her fourth year as a Vice Principal at an elementary school, bringing more than a decade of experience rooted in inclusive education. Before moving into administration, she spent eight years as an Inclusive Learning Coach, partnering with teachers, educational... Read More →
IMG 8559 jpeg
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Alhambra Room (Main Building)
  WIL

2:45pm MDT

Multi-Faith Space (open and available to all)
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Robert Ritchie Room (Conference Centre)
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Robert Ritchie Room (Conference Centre)
  Zero Stimulation Zones

2:45pm MDT

Quiet Work Space
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm 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.
Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
David Obrien Room (Conference Center)
  Zero Stimulation Zones

4:00pm MDT

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING for The Council for School Leadership
Monday April 20, 2026 4:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Baron Shaughnessy Room (Conference Centre)
This will be a CLOSED meeting.  Only Alberta teachers who are members of CSL are permitted to vote.This is the AGM of the Council for School Leadership. All members of CSL are welcome to attend. At this session you will learn about the events CSL hosted last year, vote on the 2026-27 budget as well as elect members to the executive of the CSL.If you would like to join the AGM, but will not be...
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Monday April 20, 2026 4:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Baron Shaughnessy Room (Conference Centre)
  AGM
 
Tuesday, April 21
 

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Sean Lessard

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Dean MacInnis

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Lauren Sulz

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 →
avatar for Kim Hordal

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 →
avatar for Doug Gleddie

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
avatar for Jo-Ann Kelly

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 →
avatar for Liisa Honish

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 →
avatar for Fr. Troy Nguyen

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Dr. Farha Shariff

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 →
avatar for Owen Holloway

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Monique Baker

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 →
avatar for Rémi Lemoine

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 →
avatar for Elizabeth Tremblay

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 →
ET

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Dr. Heather Saunders

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...
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Speakers
ER
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...
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Speakers
avatar for Robert Hinchliffe

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Shawn Lennie

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

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Stephen MacGregor

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 →
avatar for Nyasha Nyereyemhuka

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 – resources model, this session weaves together current research and...
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Speakers
KL

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Baeta

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Dr. Brenda Reynolds

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
 

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