The Career Technology Education Council (CTEC) Annual Conference: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

7:30am PST

BREAKFAST

Friday November 6, 2026 7:30am - 9:00am PST

Friday November 6, 2026 7:30am - 9:00am PST
Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre 511 Bow Valley Trail Canmore Alberta

10:30am PST

CTF Food Challenges

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am PST

Wolverine Room - Coast Hotel

Limited Capacity seats available

I’d like to share my experiences organizing grade 9 food challenges, including the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments. I’ll also discuss the resources I’ve used and my process for designing these challenges for my Culinary Students. Some of the challenges I’ve run include Cake Boss, The Great Food Truck Challenge, The Great Bake Off, Hilltop's Final Table, and Bakery Wars. Food teachers should support each other. As a new teacher, I remember feeling isolated, so I really value coming together for professional development and offering mutual support. As a Journeyman chef, I also teach high school foods, and I’m excited to share some creative ideas and resources you can bring into your own classroom!

Speakers

Kendall Mercer

Chef, CTS/CTF teacher, NGPS

I’m Kendall Mercer, and after nine years at Hilltop High School, I’ve learned that the best teaching strategies are the ones that survive a room full of hungry teenagers! I’m thrilled to be joining the CTEC Council and to give back to a community that has supported me throughout... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am PST
Wolverine Room - Coast Hotel

CTF

10:30am PST

Careers in Lashes

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am PST

Cosmetology Lab - CCHS

Limited Capacity seats available

Careers in Lashes - discussing the growing industry of lashes and brows, services students can offer, career opportunities available, how much money you can make, as well as a brief overview on HOW to do the services. We will be showcasing a live demonstration on a lash lift/brow lamination following.

Speakers

Irene Gillespie

I am a Lash Educator and Permanent Makeup Artist with over a decade of experience in the beauty industry. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others develop their skills, confidence, and creativity in the industry.

Friday November 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am PST
Cosmetology Lab - CCHS

HRH-Health, Recreation and Human Services

10:30am PST

Fashion Skills Alberta Competition - Provincial and Regionals

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am PST

Grizzly Room - Coast Hotel

Limited Capacity seats available

Going through what teachers need to know about Skills Alberta Competitions in Fashion. We will look at the following: - Drafting criteria - Sample Construction - Final Project design criteria - Welt pockets - Final Project Construction - Mandatory and Optional Accessories and how to use them.

Speakers

Brandy Walsh

Brandy Walsh taught Apparel Technology at Olds College for 12 years, specializing in Construction, Knits, Tailoring and Drafting. Currently teaching at Olds High School, while participating in the PTC for Skills Alberta.

Friday November 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am PST
Grizzly Room - Coast Hotel

MDC- Media Design and Communication Arts

10:30am PST

Twine and Talk

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am PST

Squirrel Room - Coast Hotel

Limited Capacity seats available

Twine & Talk: Learn the basics of creating twine using fabric scraps as well as a natural grass. This project invites consideration into ways we as Fashion teachers can lower our output of textile waste by creating something new out of scrap fabric. This session has a “talk” component where we can share other scrap busting projects (please bring examples to share if you have any) as well as brainstorm other possible projects that you can take back to your Fashion Lab.

Speakers

Linda Johnson

DH- teacher, Louis St. Laurent School

Friday November 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am PST
Squirrel Room - Coast Hotel

MDC- Media Design and Communication Arts

10:30am PST

Introduction to Leather Crafting

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am PST

Squirrel Room - Coast Hotel

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover the basics of leather crafting in this hands-on introductory workshop designed for beginners. Participants will learn essential leatherworking techniques. No previous experience is required—just bring your creativity and a willingness to get hands-on with this versatile and timeless material.

Speakers

George Silaghi

I'm a leather worker in my spare time and run a small business. I pride myself in working with a combination of old school leather and modern technology to create unique functional art.

Friday November 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am PST
Squirrel Room - Coast Hotel

TMT - Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation

10:30am PST

Navigating Career Pathways with the CWB Foundation

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am PST

Caribou Room - Coast Hotel

Limited Capacity seats available

The World of Welding and Materials Joining: an invitation to explore a broad, hands‑on field that sits at the heart of modern industry. The CWB Foundation is dedicated to helping learners and teachers discover routes, understand the variety of roles available, and gain the practical experience needed to succeed. One of the Foundation’s standout initiatives is the Welding Simulator Lending Program. This program was created to bring realistic, interactive virtual welding into classrooms and training facilities that may not yet have access to full welding shops. By borrowing a simulator, instructors can introduce students to welding fundamentals in a safe, cost‑effective environment. The Foundation also helps bridge the gap to the workforce by sharing career pathway information, guidance about apprenticeships and certification, and opportunities to connect with local employers and trade network. Try virtual welding!

Speakers

Emma Priestner

Emma Priestner is a Red Seal Welder with over six years of experience in the production, fabrication, and petrochemical industries, specializing in exotic alloy welding. She has taught welding across Canada, helping learners of all ages develop both foundational skills and advanced... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am PST
Caribou Room - Coast Hotel

TMT - Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation

11:45am PST

LUNCH

Friday November 6, 2026 11:45am - 12:30pm PST

Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre

Friday November 6, 2026 11:45am - 12:30pm PST
Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre 511 Bow Valley Trail Canmore Alberta

12:30pm PST

KEYNOTE: [RE]MAKING THE UNMADE: Cripping Identities Through Disabled Everyday Clothing

Friday November 6, 2026 12:30pm - 1:15pm PST

Wildrose Ballroom - Coast Hotel

[Re]Making the Unmade explores how D/deaf, Disabled, and Mad-identifying people creatively “hack” their everyday clothing to make it more wearable, expressive, and inclusive. Through these acts of adaptation, participants reimagine fashion as a space of belonging, empowerment, and desire for disability.
The project challenges mainstream fashion’s narrow ideals by showcasing how individuals and communities transform garments — and, in doing so, transform the very systems that have historically excluded them.
About the ExhibitionThis exhibition is part of the SSHRC-funded research project Cripping Masculinities: Disabled Men’s Intersectional Narratives through Fashion (2019–2024), co-led by Dr. Megan Strickfaden (University of Alberta) and Dr. Ben Barry (Toronto Metropolitan University / Parsons, New York).
*

Speakers

Megan Strickfaden

University of Alberta

Elisie Osei & Zoe Wagner

Friday November 6, 2026 12:30pm - 1:15pm PST
Wildrose Ballroom - Coast Hotel

1:30pm PST

3D Printing in STEM: Engineering Over Decoration

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm PST

Maker Space - CCHS

Limited Capacity seats available

This session explores practical 3D printing projects that move beyond novelty items and into authentic engineering challenges. Participants will see examples of classroom-tested design challenges. The session will also cover iteration strategies, assessment tools, print management systems, and skill progression from beginner CAD to advanced assemblies.

Friday November 6, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm PST
Maker Space - CCHS

CTF

1:30pm PST

Raising the Next Generation of Leaders... How to Build a Leadership Program

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm PST

Cougar Room - Coast Hotel

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will give you the basics of building a leadership program for grades 7-12. It will go over different ways to program it and lots of activity ideas to get you started. This session is great for CTF and High School Teachers.

Speakers

Heather McCaig

District Representative, South East, The Alberta Teachers' Association

Heather Dawn McCaig is a long-time educator at Crescent Heights High School in Medicine Hat, Alberta, where she teaches leadership and other subjects and has helped build an active leadership program that engages students in community service and school events. She has been involved... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm PST
Cougar Room - Coast Hotel

General Interest

1:30pm PST

Small Batch Fermentation

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm PST

Squirrel Room - Coast Hotel

Limited Capacity seats available

This CLASSROOM session will focus on small batch fermentation that can be used in a Jr. or Sr. high Foods Studies class. A variety of types of Ferments will be reviewed and tasted with recipes and applications available to participants. Participants will leave with some dried sourdough starter and will have recipes and resources ready to use in their classroom right away! Unfortunately due to the time fermentation takes, we will not be making and eating anything in this session; it is informational only. However, there will be some tasting of a variety of small batch ferments.

Speakers

Jodie Kachkar

Teacher, Edmonton Public Schools

Jodie Kachkar, PHEc. Jodie has been a Foods or Fashions teacher within Edmonton Public Schools for over 25 years. She is a passionate creator and brings that interest to her classroom every day. During the COVID-19 lockdown when she moved her high school foods studies classes... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm PST
Squirrel Room - Coast Hotel

HRH-Health, Recreation and Human Services

1:30pm PST

Native Beading Workshop

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm PST

Squirrel Room - Coast Hotel

Limited Capacity seats available

Participants will learn native beadwork techniques and make their own beadwork piece to take home with them

Speakers

Tania Big Plume

Tania Big Plume artist and bead work instructor

Tania Big Plume of Tsuut’ina Nation , Cree and Cayuga of the Turtle Clan. I have been doing beading workshops for over 25 years and started being in art shows in 2018 and won western art gallery best in show at the Calgary stampede in 2019 with my beadwork. I have made commissioned... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm PST
Squirrel Room - Coast Hotel

MDC- Media Design and Communication Arts

1:30pm PST

Asian Inspired Appetizers

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 1:30pm - 4:15pm PST

Foods Room - CCHS

Limited Capacity seats available

This course teaches how to make three classic East Asian items—scallion (green onion) pancakes, spring rolls, and potstickers—covering ingredient selection, dough and wrapper techniques, filling preparation, folding/sealing methods, and cooking methods. Participants can extract learning objectives and evaluation criteria to satisfy multiple CTS/CTF modules.

Speakers

Kelly Liusz Moser

École Secondaire St. Albert Catholic High School

Kelly Liusz Moser teaches Foods 10, 20 and 30 at École Secondaire St. Albert Catholic High School within Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and is committed to hands-on, skills-based learning that connects classroom... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 1:30pm - 4:15pm PST
Foods Room - CCHS

HRH-Health, Recreation and Human Services, CTF

1:30pm PST

Textured Hair Workshop and Q&A for Government Practical Exams

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 1:30pm - 4:15pm PST

Cosmetology Lab - CCHS

Limited Capacity seats available

This hands-on workshop will explore clipper cutting techniques for textured hairstyle, followed by the creation of a textured hairstyle. Participants will have the opportunity to practice the cutting, sculpting, and styling techniques themselves while receiving guidance and tips throughout the process. Time will also be provided for questions and discussion around practical exams and preparation for government finals.

Speakers

Flora Kahyayan

Lead Hairstyling Instructor, MC College

With 21 years in the hairstyling industry, including 13 years as an instructor at MC College, I'm passionate about helping the next generation of hairstylists grow and succeed. My teaching is built on extensive training with the Pivot Point education platform, numerous cutting, coloring... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 1:30pm - 4:15pm PST
Cosmetology Lab - CCHS

HRH-Health, Recreation and Human Services

1:30pm PST

Leather Projects in Fashion

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 1:30pm - 4:15pm PST

Wolverine Room - Coast Hotel

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will explore curricular connections for incorporating leather into CTF and CTS programs, along with practical resources, supply sources, tools, and basic leatherworking techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to learn foundational skills and choose from a couple of simple wallet projects to create.

Speakers

Teri Zimmerman

Teacher

Teri Zimmerman has taught various CTS courses across Alberta for 19 years, including Foods, Fashion, Business and Technology Studies, and Robotics. She holds an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and currently teaches Fashion 9–12 at Hunting Hills High School. Teri also contributes... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 1:30pm - 4:15pm PST
Wolverine Room - Coast Hotel

MDC- Media Design and Communication Arts

1:30pm PST

Wood Working

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 1:30pm - 4:15pm PST

Construction Lab - CCHS

Limited Capacity seats available

Build a mini Atarondak chair

Speakers

Evan Clark & Connor Flegg

I am a Red Seal Carpenter who completed the Carpenter Bridging Program and have a passion for building and woodworking. I will be joined by Connor Flegg, a fellow Wood Shop teacher, who shares the same enthusiasm for craftsmanship and hands-on learning. Together, we look forward to... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 1:30pm - 4:15pm PST
Construction Lab - CCHS

TMT - Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation

3:00pm PST

Adventures in Hand Sewing: Make a Stuffy

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST

Grizzly Room - Coast Hotel

Limited Capacity seats available

Hand sewing is not only a useful life skill, but an opportunity for our students to slow down a little. Join me for hand sewing tips and tricks while we sew a stuffy. We will talk about the importance of this skill and why we should introduce it along the way.

Speakers

Sandra Cross

Sandra has been sewing since she was a little girl, when her dad first taught her how to make clothes for her Barbies. From those early beginnings, she dreamed of becoming both a teacher and a fashion designer—and today, she gets to do both! She has been teaching for over 20 years... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Grizzly Room - Coast Hotel

CTF

3:00pm PST

Lights! Camera! Action! Photography in the Classroom

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST

Maker Space - CCHS

Limited Capacity seats available

Interested in bringing photography to your school but not sure where to start? This session will walk teachers through the basics, from cameras and lighting to simple assignments and course structure, to help you confidently create a photography program that inspires student creativity.

Speakers

Wade Westworth

Wade is a recovering Social Studies teacher who has been teaching in Alberta for the past 28 years. For the past 15 years, his teaching assignment has been focused (pun intended) on photography, communication technology, and digital media. He currently teaches photography and communication... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Maker Space - CCHS

MDC- Media Design and Communication Arts

3:00pm PST

Environmental Stewardship: Connecting Senior High Students to Environmental Topics and careers

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST

Grizzly Room - Coast Hotel

Limited Capacity seats available

Are you a senior high school teacher? We have an Environmental Stewardship course (CTS "Natural Resources", ENS 1020, 1040, 1910) to share them with you! Participants will receive an informative presentation from Environmental Educator, Heidi Widmer (she/her), about the course, detailed activities, resources, proposed course schedule and background information. The Environmental Stewardship course was piloted in Canmore and the activity guide was created afterwards to help other Alberta teachers recreate the course in their schools and communities. At its core, the ENS course is about exploring careers relevant to the environment including energy, waste and food in Alberta. This session will include an interactive activity about values, beliefs and behaviours and how these shape everything from what we eat to the career choices we make.

Speakers

Heidi Widmer

Education Coordinator, Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley

Raised by the Bow River and the surrounding summits within Treaty 7 territory, Heidi Widmer (she/her) is deeply committed to educating on behalf of this place that shaped her. As the Environmental Educator for the Future Leaders program, Heidi both coordinates and delivers K-12 curriculum-connected... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Grizzly Room - Coast Hotel

NAT- Natural Resources

3:00pm PST

Vertical Gardening

LIMITED

Friday November 6, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST

Cougar Room - Coast Hotel

Limited Capacity seats available

Our primary goal is to empower educators with practical ways to teach indoor gardening in an engaging, hands-on and simplistic manner (no greenhouse needed). Indoor vertical gardening makes food production possible in the tightest, most unexpected of spaces. In this workshop, we will delve into our experience building up a gardening program from scratch and offer tips and tricks to those looking to begin or expand upon their own.

Speakers

Joel Heyland

CTS teacher. Gardener. Landscaper. Graphic designer. Athlete past his prime raising toddlers. Began gardening on a patio of the rental I stayed at in college. Favourite plant to grow: peas. Favourite recipe to make using garden produce: borscht. Future gardening aspirations include... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm PST
Cougar Room - Coast Hotel

NAT- Natural Resources

7:00pm PST

Social

Friday November 6, 2026 7:00pm - 10:00pm PST

Ballroom - Coast Hotel

Friday November 6, 2026 7:00pm - 10:00pm PST
Ballroom - Coast Hotel

about <br>

7:30am PST

10:30am PST

10:30am PST

10:30am PST

10:30am PST

10:30am PST

10:30am PST

11:45am PST

12:30pm PST

1:30pm PST

1:30pm PST

1:30pm PST

1:30pm PST

1:30pm PST

1:30pm PST

1:30pm PST

1:30pm PST

3:00pm PST

3:00pm PST

3:00pm PST

3:00pm PST

7:00pm PST

Get help with the event