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

10:30am PST

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

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

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

9:00am PST

Crochet Basics and Amigurumi

LIMITED

Saturday November 7, 2026 9:00am - 10:45am PST

Wolverine Room - Coast Hotel

Limited Capacity seats available

This session introduces participants to basic crochet stitches and simple amigurumi techniques. Educators will have time to practise foundational skills, begin a small project, and consider how crochet can support creativity, fine-motor development, mindfulness, and classroom community.

Speakers

Joy Santos

Joy Santos is an instructor in multiple departments at a polytechnic college in Edmonton, Alberta. With Bachelor's Degrees in Biological Sciences, Mechanical Engineering and a PhD in Medicine. Joy values multidisciplinary learning and are passionate about creating meaningful and unconventional... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 9:00am - 10:45am PST
Wolverine Room - Coast Hotel

MDC- Media Design and Communication Arts, CTF

11:00am PST

The Pension Playbook: Win Your Retirement

LIMITED

Saturday November 7, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PST

Wolverine Room - Coast Hotel

Limited Capacity seats available

Unlock the clarity and confidence every educator deserves. In this session, you’ll discover how your pension fits into your full retirement strategy and how smart planning can boost your tax efficiency, increase your financial flexibility, and help you build a meaningful legacy for your family. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re truly making the most of your pension, this session will give you the bigger picture you’ve been missing.

Speakers

Mike Ong-Padilla

World Financial Group

Exiting the O&G industry due the pandemic, Mike turned the twin career of educating people in financial literacy into a fulltime career. Married with 3 kids he felt that there had to be more that could be done to get ahead. He and his family were introduced to strategies to more... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Wolverine Room - Coast Hotel

BIT - Business, Admin, Finance and IT

The Career Technology Education Council (CTEC) Annual Conference

10:30am PST

Kendall Mercer

1:30pm PST

Teri Zimmerman

9:00am PST

Joy Santos

11:00am PST

Mike Ong-Padilla

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