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

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

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 â€” 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 successful and fulfilling. Together, we'll explore practical strategies for building trust, strengthening relationships, and leading with confidence as you grow into your new role.

Speakers

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 →

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 →

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 →

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 →

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!

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

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

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 gender and sexually diverse youth.

Here is a link to the presentation: https://canva.link/mleyuq6u3klkfu1

Speakers

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

10:30am MDT

Racists in Recovery

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

Sir Edward Beatty (Conference Centre)

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

Speakers

Dr. Heather Saunders

Director of Inclusive Education, TsuuT'ina Education Department

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

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

Indigenous

11:15am MDT

2:45pm MDT

4:00pm MDT

10:45am MDT

2:45pm MDT

10:30am MDT

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