uLead2026 - The Summit of Educational Leadership: Full Schedule

This is the Sched site for the uLead 2026.

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

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

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

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

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

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, organizational, and pedagogical expectations Participants will engage in a reflective and forward-looking conversation about what it means to lead with empathy, adaptability, and resilience in an ever-changing educational context. Through storytelling, case studies, and collaborative discussion, the session will highlight how a female perspective in leadership brings unique insights

Speakers

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

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, Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl and more! This will be an engaging, inspiring workshop, with free resources to use in your school tomorrow!

Speakers

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!

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

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 leaders can proactively build cultures of trust and resilience, before the next disruption arrives. This session is ideal for school-based and system leaders looking to strengthen their teams, deepen stakeholder relationships, and cultivate a culture of collective responsibility that places well-being at the center.

Speakers

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 →

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 →

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 →

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Monday April 20, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Alhambra Room (Main Building)

WIL

10:30am MDT

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

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

Alhambra Room (Main Building)

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

Speakers

Jennifer Baeta

Assistant Principal, Edmonton Catholic Teachers

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

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

WIL

2:45pm MDT

10:45am MDT

2:45pm MDT

10:30am MDT

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