This session will provide awareness to the PEAKS Collegiate Campus which enables students to embark on environmental science career connected educational pathways in the Southern Alberta economy and ecosystem through an innovative partnership between Livingstone Range School Division (LRSD), Lethbridge College, and industry partners.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to have a greater understanding of the opportunity that Collegiates bring to the science community and a how leveraging local ecosystems and communities can provide experiential learning to students.

Presented by: 

Born and raised in Coaldale, Alberta, Chad Kuzyk started his teaching career with Foothills School Division before spending several years in Ontario as a middle school teacher and instructional resource teacher with Peel District Board of Education. Chad is a University of Lethbridge alumni and completed his MEd in Literacy from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax. Chad joined Livingstone Range School Division in 2010 as assistant principal of Canyon Elementary School in Pincher Creek, AB and is currently the Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Innovation for the region.

Dr. Terry Kowalchuk joined Lethbridge College in 1995 as an instructor in the School of Environmental Sciences. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree (Zoology) from Brandon University, a masters of Natural Resource Management from the University of Manitoba, and a PhD in Biology from the University of Saskatchewan. He has held a variety of positions at the college, including instructor, program coordinator, program leader, chair, interim Dean, and his most recent role as Associate Dean in the Centre for Technology, Environment and Design. He is actively engaged with a wide variety of industry partners, helping to conduct environmental and wildlife research. He takes over as Dean from Dr. Kenny Corscadden, who has moved into a fulltime role as Associate Vice President – Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Lethbridge College after beginning in that role part time in April 2018.

Joelle Reynolds is the Associate Dean of Youth Initiatives at Lethbridge College.  Over the past 20 years, her work has spanned K-12 teaching through to a variety of post-secondary faculty and staff roles.  Her current portfolio includes the support and development of youth initiatives such as Dual Credit, Exploratory Programming, STEM Resources, Green Certificate, Teacher Outreach, Summer Camps and School Programs.  These initiatives aim to engage students, teachers, parents and community members to spark curiosity about career pathways in youth and build community among those who support them.

Imagine a redesign of learning that seamlessly weaves in meaningful career pathway opportunities for students that cause all students to graduate high school and transition confidently and successfully to their chosen career pathway training. Join Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD) as they share their decade-long journey pursuing their division-wide focus on career pathways through their Career Connection goal, strategic actions and division-wide involvement in achieving purposeful career pathway design for their students to explore, engage and experience meaningful career readiness learning. The CESD team will share the details of how they achieved the establishment of this division goal with strong Board endorsement, senior and school administration leadership, school-based Career Connection teams, development of Career Connection Strategic Actions, alignment of CTF/CTS programming, redesign of coaching for student success, and support for a centralized model and budget. This journey has led to effective division design and use of data-driven career pathway experiences such as dual credit, work integrated learning, and student advising/coaching being accessible for all students in Grades 10 to 12. CESD is now in the development of K to 9 career exploration programming within their collegiate partnership in the Central Alberta Collegiate Institute. At the forefront of all career pathway design are the students who we aim to not only graduate from high school but to have provided the career pathway experiences necessary to cause all students to take their next steps confidently and successfully into their chosen career training.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to understand system design and action that lead to the establishment of a purposeful career pathway learning model for their own school divisions. Participants will leave with clear steps to start or enhance their own division design and strength of career pathway programming that leads to high levels of student success.

Presented by:

Kurt Sacher has served as Superintendent of Schools in Chinook’s Edge School Division for the past fourteen years. Prior to that, he served for 8 years as an Assistant Superintendent in charge of Human Resources for Wolf Creek Public Schools. He has 37 years of teaching and administrative experience, including 11 years as a school based administrator. Kurt was Head Teacher for an Outreach School in Penticton, British Columbia, Assistant Principal and Principal at Trochu Valley School, and concluded his school-based administrative experience by serving as Principal of Lacombe Composite High School for 5 years. Kurt has presented “The Story of Lester” at venues across Alberta for the past number of years which facilitates insight around the complexity of teacher performance issues. Kurt has also presented on several occasions to schools and various other groups on topics such as: “Building an Effective Team”; “The Big Little Things Great Teachers Do”; and “Dealing with Difficult Parents”. He has presented for 20 consecutive years at the CASS Start Right Program for Beginning School Leaders and for 16 consecutive years at the CASS Leading for Learning Program for Experienced School Leaders. Kurt was appointed the President for CASS for the 2018-19 school year effective July 1, 2018 and was the Past CASS President for two years and also a member of the C21 CEO Academy of Canada. Kurt was awarded the CASS EXL Award for Excellence in 2021. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding school system leaders who exhibit exemplary leadership ability and have enhanced the profession of school system administration over the course of their careers.

Jackie Taylor is presently the Director of the Central Alberta Collegiate Institute (CACI), in her 32 years of K-12 service she has served as the Director of the Community Learning Campus (CLC) for Olds College of Agriculture & Technology and CESD specifically serving their career pathway programming for high school students, as well as multiple Principalships in Elementary, Middle school and Divisional level.

The session will focus on the collaboration and proactive planning that supports students in Career Pathway programming, from Explore, Engage and Experience to Enter. Representatives from two very different school divisions and one post-secondary institution will discuss collaborative post-secondary institution, school authority, and system partnerships and program options in Alberta that support youth transitions to post-secondary, equity and strategic enrolment, and student mobility and success. Examples will include institution dual credit, apprenticeship education, and broader youth transitions programming, partnerships and data, as well as institution, student, and system benefits. Examples will include institution and school authority partnerships for dual credit, apprenticeship education, and other types of youth transitions programming. Partnerships and programming choices, resources and templates, data and student success stories for SAIT, High Prairie School Division, and Calgary Board of Education will be discussed.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to learn how post-secondary and secondary partnerships and programming such as exploratory and dual-credit, support youth in transitioning to post-secondary. Participants will also gain an understanding as to how youth focused programming supports equitable access to program pathways, domestic strategic enrolment initiatives, and student mobility and success.

Presented by:

Jodi Peat is an Education Specialist for Unique Pathways with the Calgary Board of Education. Jodi holds a Masters of Science degree, and started with the CBE teaching Junior/Middle School Math and Science 14 years ago. However, working with Unique Pathways for the past 3 years has been the jolt she didn’t know she needed. Through this work, she collaborates with post-secondary, community and industry partners in order to offer CBE high school students diverse, hands-on, and relevant programs and experiences in multiple career pathways. She is passionate about students connecting with their own areas of interest, finding their “why”, finishing high school their way, and being supported in the transition to their future. Jodi enjoys going for walks with her family and documenting every second of her young daughters life.

Rozlynn Wick is the Manager for Strategic Youth Initiatives at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary, Alberta. She has worked at SAIT for the past 12 years. Rozlynn holds a Master’s degree in education as well as a professional project management designation (PMP). She recently embarked upon pursuing her Doctor of Education degree (only three more years to go). She is also the current co-chair representing post-secondary for Alberta’s provincial dual credit articulation committee. Rozlynn is passionate about providing programs for youth that support them in finding their path and believes that all youth are capable learners – they sometimes just need help finding their “spark”. Rozlynn is an avid runner and enjoys spending time with her husband, dog, and young son.

Monica Edwards is the Career Coach Lead with the High Prairie School Division. She has worked in this program since its inception 10 years ago. Monica holds a Bachelor of Management degree from Athabasca University and a Bilingual Business Administration diploma from NAIT. She is a Certified Career Development Professional (CCDP), and is the co-chair of Alberta’s Dual Credit Articulation Committee, representing secondary schools. Her passion for creating opportunities for students in rural Alberta to engage in meaningful career exploration has driven Monica’s work over the past decade. Outside of schools, Monica enjoys outdoor activities with her husband and two children.

Alberta’s apprenticeship education system is modernizing to ensure it remains relevant and effective in a changing economic landscape. Educators and system leaders play a key role in guiding students towards diverse post-secondary options, including apprenticeship and the skilled trades. Attendees can expect to learn about:

1. Labour market demand for trades and technology talent.
2. Modernization of Alberta’s apprenticeship education system and how it works.
3. New apprenticeship education credentials and opportunities beyond apprenticeship.
4. Expansion of apprenticeship education to occupations outside the designated trades.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to learn about opportunities for students in the fields of trades and technology and increase awareness of how they can support students in making informed transitions from high school to post-secondary and the workplace.

Presented by:

Kathryn Andrews is the Director of Apprenticeship Education and Pathways with Alberta Advanced Education. Kathryn has worked in the Government of Alberta for more than 17 years in the fields of apprenticeship education, career development and supporting youth. She is passionate about helping Albertans pursue post-secondary education and finding a career they love.

Paul Hrynew is the Manager of Program Implementation with Alberta Advanced Education. Paul has spent six years with the Government of Alberta working with Alberta’s skilled trades and apprenticeship system. He previously spent 10 years in private industry – where he started his career as an apprentice himself -and is now grateful for the opportunity to expand and strengthen the same apprenticeship programming that launched his career.

In this session, participants will explore:

• Discover Skills Training and Support: Dive into the world of free skills training and support services provided by Women Building Futures for women, gender-diverse individuals, and youth.
• Classroom Best Practices: Explore effective classroom strategies that encourage female and gender-diverse youth to explore exciting skilled trades pathways.
• Industry Insights: Get a glimpse of how industry partners are supporting diversifying skilled trades.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the free skills training and support services Women Building Futures offers women and gender-diverse individuals and youth, best practices in classrooms to encourage female and gender-diverse youth to explore skilled trades pathways, and what industry partners are doing to shift the face of skilled trades.

Presented by:

Caitlin Hartigan, Director Program Management & Delivery, is an expert in building partnerships with polytechnics across Alberta and beyond as has insight into how Industry is shifting around skilled trades. She is currently a member of the Provincial Alberta Board of Skilled Trades and was previously a Dean of Skilled Trades at multiple Post-Secondary Institutions in Alberta, prior to coming to Women Building Futures.

As an educator and Youth Engagement Lead at Women Building Futures, Bri Drury wants to inspire all ages to embrace the benefits of, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in the skilled trades and driving industries. Bri has valuable insights to help retention and inclusion in your classrooms. Her work focuses on creating psychologically safer classrooms and encouraging more female and gender-diverse youth to explore skilled trades pathways.

This session will focus on the benefits of working together as multiple schools divisions to create career pathway programs for students. Many benefits come as a result of working together as school divisions to create opportunities for students to explore, engage and experience career pathway possibilities. Benefits explored will include financial, geographic spread, sharing expertise and creating blended opportunities that are scale-able to a provincial level.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to understand the benefit of working with other divisions and how to begin creating opportunities for their own students to take advantage of.

Presented by:

Jason Kupery has devoted 24 years to the field of education, progressing from teacher to principal, and now serving in Division Leadership at Palliser School Division. As the Director of Learning, he is dedicated to empowering students through programs such as career exploration, student leadership, and wellness initiatives.

Jason Drent is the Associate Superintendent of Learning Services in Chinook’s Edge School Division (CESD).  Jason has K-12 Principalship experience at both the Elementary and High School level.

Known for his remarkable efficiency, Jason accomplishes a great deal in a short amount of time. His infectious enthusiasm for guiding students to discover their passions and potential is evident to all who work with him. Student success, both academically and personally, is always his foremost priority.

Sean Lougheed is a Director with Wolf Creek Public Schools in the areas of instruction and learning support.   Sean believes strongly in creating opportunities for students and has over a decade of experience in dual credit and off campus education.

Building Futures Collegiate is up and running! FVSD will share current examples of collegiate programming that engages students through inclusive, authentic, hands-on learning opportunities and how to use technology to enhance student learning. Building Futures Collegiate is a whole Division initiate that gives our students the EDGE and has mechanisms in place to ensure sustainability- come hear our story.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to check out zSpace, discuss sustainability plans, connect with FVSD to ask questions, arrange visits, or request resources.

Presented by:

Michael McMann has over 25 years in the Alberta education system and grew up in rural Alberta. He has a passion for research and moving the dial on every kid in their learning. Mike is the superintendent of Fort Vermilion School Division plus a Dare to Lead facilitator. Under Mike’s leadership FVSD has become a leader in innovation and developing a new system that is geared towards supporting students on their chosen careers paths.

Karen Smith is an Associate Superintendent of Learning with Fort Vermilion School Division. This year her main focus has been centered around FVSD Board’s fourth priority “All students will explore, develop, grow and experience chosen Career Paths”. Karen has been in the world of education for 37 years and is passionate about education making a difference in the lives of students.

This presentation will discuss the value of integrating trades-related learning experiences within the K-12 classroom.  Session participants will learn about curricular alignments between several trades and the K-12 math and science programs of study, and be introduced to a variety of learning resources developed to support integration of trades into the classroom, including classroom kits as well as online learning activities, videos, 3D printable assets, expert guest speakers, and more.  Participants will learn about the impact of collaboration among teachers, post-secondary instructors, and industry in developing and implementing such resources regarding perceptions of trades and trades education pathways. 

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to: 

• explore the value of introducing trades-related learning experiences throughout K-12 learning
• identify opportunities and resources to connect trades-related learning experiences to k-12 math and science curriculum 

Presented by:

Warren Anderson is the lead STEM Teacher Consultant working with the STEM Project through Lethbridge College.  He is passionate about providing authentic learning experiences to youth that inspire and help them to see the connections between what they are learning in the classroom and the world around them. This is rooted in his experience with inquiry-based and project-based learning instructional approaches. Warren brings to this work a Master of Science in Education from Walden University, a combined BA/BEd from the University of Lethbridge and twelve years of classroom teaching experience in elementary and junior high schools.  

Matthew Prete brings over 13 years of teaching experience in junior and high schools, specializing in math, science, construction, and robotics. Recently joining the Lethbridge College STEM team as a Teacher Consultant, Matthew is dedicated to bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications. His passion lies in connecting students to the practical aspects of their education, fostering pathways to meaningful careers in STEM fields. 

In this presentation, Prairie Rose will share how they developed a flight program that includes students achieving their private pilot license, aircraft maintenance engineering and basic and advanced drone operating certificates, an agricultural discovery centre at the junior high level and fire fighter program that includes students earning level one and two certificates. These opportunities provide career pathways building on student success and interest. The conversation will centre on program design, opportunities, pain points and partnership in participants communities.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to have an action plan to develop pathways in their own division.

Presented by:

Dr. Reagan Weeks has been the superintendent of Prairie Rose School Division for the past two years. She works alongside an exceptional team who is focused on forging futures. As a result of these efforts, parent support and student engagement measured through the assurance model has improved significantly and enrolment has increased.

This session will highlight Career Pathways in Edmonton Public Schools. The Career Pathways Model engages students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, through the phases—Awareness, Understanding and Readiness—that support student growth and success from early learning through to high school completion and beyond in meaningful and relevant learning opportunities that reduce barriers and open doors to future possibilities. Students develop a curiosity about the world around them and make connections to potential career pathways, preparing them for the transition from high school to the world of work, post-secondary education or community living. Several current learning opportunities at Edmonton Public Schools will be highlighted, which are supported by authentic, hands-on learning experiences and community partnerships. Presenters will share how student interest, labour market and other data sources can support decision making for system leaders. This session will reflect alignment to the CASS Skilled Trades, Apprenticeships, and Vocational Educational Strategic Framework, particularly by equipping students to succeed through rigorous academic studies and skilled training opportunities.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to:

• Consider the ways in which students build awareness and understanding in K-9 through authentic and meaningful learning experiences that support their transition to high school.
• Explore a range of work integrated and experiential learning opportunities that involve multiple stakeholders from post-secondary institutions, community partners, skilled trades organizations, and employers.
• Review how data is used for decision making and discuss how this could be used in one’s own context.

Presented by:

Suntia Sas is a Principal in Curriculum and Learning Supports, Edmonton Public Schools. She has 29 years of experience in education as a teacher, consultant, assistant principal and principal.

Thomas Gillard is a supervisor in Curriculum and Learning Supports, Career Pathways with Edmonton Public Schools. He has 16 years of experience in education as a teacher, guidance counselor and department head.

Sean Jones is a Research Consultant with Career Pathways at Edmonton Public Schools. He draws on 25 years of experience in the fields of technology, arts, hospitality, education and social sciences (all five career pathways!).

In this session, we will explore some of key components for successful dual credit programming in your school division and/or at your post-secondary institution, including but not limited to:

• what is dual credit?
• what is the purpose of dual credit (multiple perspectives)
• student success and impact
• how to get started (guiding documents, Dual Credit Framework, partnership agreements)
• provincial support (mandate letters, Career Education Taskforce Report)
• stakeholder and partnerships engagement
• program design and delivery -examples of offerings
• funding (start up and enhancement grants)

We will demonstrate how programming from a post-secondary institution such as SAIT can be adjusted to best fit the needs of both a larger urban division in the Calgary Board of Education and a smaller rural setting with High Prairie School Division. A breadth of programming examples and experiential wisdom will be shared.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to understand the practical and strategic steps required to engage in dual credit programming. Gain an understanding of how to implement dual credit programming that supports the needs of your students.

Presented by:

Jodi Peat is an Education Specialist for Unique Pathways with the Calgary Board of Education. Jodi holds a Masters of Science degree, and started with the CBE teaching Junior/Middle School Math and Science 14 years ago. However, working with Unique Pathways for the past 3 years has been the jolt she didn’t know she needed. Through this work, she collaborates with post-secondary, community and industry partners in order to offer CBE high school students diverse, hands-on, and relevant programs and experiences in multiple career pathways. She is passionate about students connecting with their own areas of interest, finding their “why”, finishing high school their way, and being supported in the transition to their future. Jodi enjoys going for walks with her family and documenting every second of her young daughters life.

Monica Edwards is the Career Coach Lead with the High Prairie School Division. She has worked in this program since its inception 10 years ago. Monica holds a Bachelor of Management degree from Athabasca University and a Bilingual Business Administration diploma from NAIT. She is a Certified Career Development Professional (CCDP), and is the co-chair of Alberta’s Dual Credit Articulation Committee, representing secondary schools. Her passion for creating opportunities for students in rural Alberta to engage in meaningful career exploration has driven Monica’s work over the past decade. Outside of schools, Monica enjoys outdoor activities with her husband and two children.

Rozlynn Wick is the Manager for Strategic Youth Initiatives at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary, Alberta. She has worked at SAIT for the past 12 years. Rozlynn holds a Master’s degree in education as well as a professional project management designation (PMP). She recently embarked upon pursuing her Doctor of Education degree (only three more years to go). She is also the current co-chair representing post-secondary for Alberta’s provincial dual-credit articulation committee. Rozlynn is passionate about providing programs for youth that support them in finding their path and believes that all youth are capable learners – they sometimes just need help finding their “spark”. Rozlynn is an avid runner and enjoys spending time with her husband, dog, and young son.

Medicine Hat Public School Division is at the beginning of our career pathway design (entering our 4th year of focus). We will share how we engaged our system with this work and how we are creating connections with students, parents, school division partners, post-secondary partners, industry and community to grow our program. We will share the positive steps and the missteps that others can learn from as they begin designing their own programs.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to experience facilitated conversations at their table groups, ask questions of the presenters and have access to our shared documents.

Presented by: 

Corey Sadlemyer is Associate Superintendent of Learning for Medicine Hat Public School Division. He took on this portfolio approximately 1 year ago and has leaned on the foundational work of the existing Careers team and partner school division. His background as a teacher and administrator from elementary to high schools gives him a wide perspective on the needs of students as they transition to the workforce.

Kelly Pitman is a former high school principal and outreach principal. He has led the MHPSD Off Campus team for the past 2 years and has been instrumental in developing our partnerships with the various post-secondary schools. His experience working with high school students and families has helped our program grow from 4 students to 80 in the last 2 years.

CAREERS and Red Deer Catholic have been partners in Career Education for 20+ years. The model has developed over time to be a best practice approach to offering what students need to explore, engage and experience opportunities in a career path of their interest. The partnership supports the division, including individual schools and career education staff as well as, of course, students. School Divisions such as Red Deer Catholic are able to leverage the industry connections of CAREERS as well as the student support post high school to make sure their students achieve success in their career goals.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to see how their division could collaborate with CAREERS to offer students more opportunities to meaningfully experience their career interests while also developing transferable skills.

Presented by:

Holly Bilton is a passionate advocate for youth career development, starting her journey at CAREERS in 2002 and rising to Provincial Manager of School Engagement. Her work involves collaborating across the education sector to enhance career pathways for students. Since 2013, she’s also served as a trustee for Chinook’s Edge School Division, where she leverages her extensive background in education and community involvement to benefit young Albertans. Committed to making a difference, Holly lives on her family farm near Innisfail with her husband, three Labrador retrievers, and horses, actively promoting agricultural education through internships with CAREERS. Tracey Millar is a dedicated educator and leader specializing in Off-Campus, Career Pathway, and Dual Credit education. Currently serving as the Off-Campus and Dual Credit Divisional Lead at the Red Deer Catholic School Division, she also holds the role of multidivisional coordinator for the Central Alberta Collegiate Institute. With over a decade of expertise, Tracey fosters innovative approaches to enhance students’ successful transitions beyond high school, integrating academic excellence with real-world applications. Her background in skilled trades as a business owner provides a unique perspective, driving her commitment to offering seamless pathways for students.

Tracey Millar is a dedicated educator and leader specializing in Off-Campus, Career Pathway, and Dual Credit education. Currently serving as the Off-Campus and Dual Credit Divisional Lead at the Red Deer Catholic School Division, she also holds the role of multidivisional coordinator for the Central Alberta Collegiate Institute. With over a decade of expertise, Tracey fosters innovative approaches to enhance students’ successful transitions beyond high school, integrating academic excellence with real-world applications. Her background in skilled trades as a business owner provides a unique perspective, driving her commitment to offering seamless pathways for students.

The Dual Credit Articulation Committee provides a forum for communication and collaboration amongst partners involved in dual credit programming, including membership from secondary, post-secondary and industry. The committee promotes the continued growth and development of dual credit programming in Alberta, by facilitating dialogue between Alberta Education, Advanced Education and all involved partners and stakeholders.

The following is an outline of the meeting.

• Alberta Dual Credit Articulation Committee (DCAC) – Committee Update
  • Rozlynn Wick & Monica Edwards, DCAC Co-chairs
• Alberta Education – Dual Credit Update
  • Paul Harnish/David McCann, Career Education
• Alberta Advanced Education – Apprenticeship Education Update
  • Kathryn Andrews, Apprenticeship Education & Pathways
  • Stephen Neis, Apprenticeship Delivery & Industry Support Services
• Alberta Advanced Education – Dual Credit Data/Research Update
  • Krishna Modupalli, Forecasting, Analytics and Research
• Alberta Advanced Education – ACAT Secretariat & Data Update
  • Ann Marie Lyseng & Chalaing Gray, Learner Pathways/ACAT Secretariat

Join us as we tour some of NAIT’s trades shops and labs. Plus, you will have a chance to try out the trades with building a spring tool box. Please make sure to wear comfortable walking close toed shoes. Safety glasses will be provided as required. Please gather at the PIC Registration Desk at 8:30 a.m.

This session will cover the Parkland School Division program-of-choice: Building Futures. This is an immersive, unique one-year program for Grade 10 students that gives them hands on experience and introduction to the trades while they build a home with a local home builder (Coventry Homes). The presentation will cover the challenges of starting a new program from scratch and delve into the growth of the program in such a short period of time as it expands to Building Futures Apprenticeships intended for students who missed the opportunity in Grade 10 or who are exploring the trades and the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to explore what authentic learning can be like for students who are immersed in industry beyond the traditional classroom, as well as raise their awareness of an incredible opportunity for students to access a “hands on” trades exploration program. Participants will also gain insight into some of the “do’s and don’ts” of starting a program.

Presented by:

Mark Francis is currently the Deputy Superintendent with Parkland Schools. Mark has worked as a High School Principal and Superintendent in rural Alberta and has been a strong supporter of trades-based programs including a secondment with Careers the Next Generation. In addition to overseeing HR and Communications, Mark works with alternative and off-campus programming and has been involved in many innovative projects and approaches to bring the trades to students.

Travis McNaughton earned a combined five-year Bachelor degree in Education and Physical Education, with a minor in English Language Arts from the University of Alberta in April 2005. Beginning in 2011, Travis served as Assistant Principal at Muir Lake School before moving to Parkland Village School to become Principal in 2014. He has also served as Principal for Connections For Learning, Brightbank Academy, and Forest Green School PSD.

Mike Lees originally started in the Building Futures program with PSD as one of the contractors working for Coventry Homes on the new homes being built by students. He served as Coventry Homes’ Trade Procurement Coordinator and now leads the Build Alberta Apprenticeships Foundation aiming to expand the Building Futures program throughout Alberta. to session 3.1

East Central Alberta Catholic School Division is pleased to provide a presentation on the successes, challenges, and opportunities of furnishing a mobile CTS-CTF trailer to smaller rural school communities. This session will also delve into the many associated logistical matters and programming for Jr. High CTF classes.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of how a mobile CTF/CTS trailer can address facility needs and local contextual program offerings in small rural communities.

Presented by:

Kelly Ehalt has been an educator and administrator for twenty-eight years and is currently serving East Central Alberta Catholic Schools as Deputy Superintendent. Over his professional career he has gained extensive knowledge in leading and shaping school communities into being the best that they can be. Kelly has also taught CTF/CTS courses and knows the value of hands on learning. Kelly knows the importance of promoting and educating Jr. and Sr. High students to have a greater appreciation and understanding of the numerous possibilities that trades have to offer. Kelly resides in Wainwright with his wife and they have two daughters.

This presentation will discuss the value of partnership between post-secondary institutions and secondary education authorities and the importance of working collaboratively to provide engaging learning experiences to junior high and high school students. Session participants will learn about the best practices in dual-credit, youth pathways, and transitions from the perspective of a post-secondary partner, including how to engage in a collaborative partnership, creating engaging programming to support pathways for youth, and challenges that have been encountered along the way. This session will focus specifically on the areas of skilled trades and technologies and session participants will hear about the impact that engaging in such programming has on students, including a focus on introducing young people to skilled trades pathways early on in their education. Presenters will explore how youth engagement opportunities can support domestic enrollment initiatives and support creating more equitable access to learning opportunities for youth.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the role of a post-secondary partner in program pathways, including dual-credit, skilled trades, and collegiate related offerings. Understand different models available from the post-secondary perspective to support program pathways for youth. Understand how to connect with a post-secondary institution to create a partnership.

Presented by: 

Ashley Monteiro is one of three dual-credit coordinators at SAIT. With extensive experience in post-secondary institutions, student journey’s and learning advocacy, Ashley is passionate about helping youth prepare for their future by promoting self-discovery and nurturing strengths. She holds a diploma in Child and Youth Care Counselling from MRU (Mount Royal University) and has studied abroad in places such as Malaysia and Mexico to gain a variety of different cultural perspectives and learning opportunities.

Patrick Nicholson is one of three dual-credit coordinators at SAIT. Coming from the UK with a background in philosophy and adult education, Patrick started at SAIT in 2014, and in 2019 joined the Youth Initiatives Team as a Dual-Credit Coordinator. Deeply motivated by the promise of applied education to empower and change lives, Patrick is committed to working with post-secondary, K-12, and community and industry stakeholders to plan and deliver meaningful and impactful dual-credit and exploratory programs for young learners across Alberta, to help students explore their interests, develop their talents, engage with potential career and education pathways, and make informed decisions about their futures.

Paige Thornborough is the Youth Initiatives Coordinator at Lethbridge College, responsible for the delivery of Dual Credit, Summer Camps and Exploratory Programming. With a background in professional communications, Paige spent eight years teaching in the college’s School of Media and Information Technology before being brought on-board to help grow youth programming last spring. When she’s not busy supporting authentic learning experiences for youth, parents and teachers alike, Paige can be found hiking mountains or drinking Starbucks – occasionally at the same time.

Designing proactive tools to collect student data throughout their education, will support your school division’s vision and planning to be responsive to the needs of students as they continue to grow in your division. This presentation, led by Tracey and Kylie, will explore how school divisions can leverage authentic student data to create programming that caters to each individual’s learning journey. We’ll delve into the importance of collecting relevant data that paints a complete picture of a student’s progress throughout their education. This information is crucial for building meaningful divisional and school programs, fostering a shared understanding among staff and students of the purpose behind each learning pathway. The powerful tracking tool currently implemented in all Red Deer Catholic Regional schools goes beyond traditional metrics, providing a comprehensive view of student progress. It empowers us to meticulously design a robust academic foundation that caters to diverse learning experiences that every student deserves. Ultimately, this data-driven approach ensures our graduates are well-equipped for success, not just in academics, but also in their seamless transition to future careers.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to participate and modify a student data tool that will guide programming and visioning for divisions and schools.

Presented by:

Kylie Kissel is currently the Director of Education Technology at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools. Growing up in a family of educators, Kylie never imagined that he would end up in the Alberta K-12 education system. However, he accidentally became a teacher in 2009, and since then, he has been working on disrupting the traditional norms of the educational system that he grew up in. As a teacher, Kylie worked with students. designing their educational journey around their passions and skills to successfully transition to meaningful careers after high school. As a divisional leader, Kylie has continued to evolve his practice at a systems-based level by challenging the conventional concept of ‘we’ve always done it that way’.

Tracey Millar is a dedicated educator and leader in Off-Campus, Career Pathway, and Dual Credit education. With over a decade of expertise and passion in Career Education, Tracey oversees academic and industry partnerships and experiential learning, fostering innovative approaches to enhance students’ successful transitions beyond high school. Her career was rooted initially in the skilled trades as a business owner, providing her with a deep understanding of the significance of career-focused learning opportunities. This unique amalgamation of experiences shapes her perspective on education and propels her commitment to offering students seamless pathways that integrate academic excellence with real-world applications.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will gain invaluable insights into various free programs in the skilled trades industry. They will develop a deep understanding of how addressing the critical workforce shortages in Alberta, will contribute to a positive significant impact in their communities. Additionally, participants can access a wide range of resources and support services from The Educational Partnership Foundation, designed to enhance their knowledge and support their students’ success, ensuring these young learners are well-prepared for their chosen careers.

Presented by:

Angelique Michelle Lachance is a Journeyperson Red Seal Ironworker Generalist, a Journeyperson Red Seal Welder, and serves as the High School Trades Manager for The Educational Partnership Foundation. Her role is highly fulfilling as she works with high school districts and training facilities to support youth entry into apprenticeship. With 14 years of hands-on experience, Angelique has worked in industrial maintenance and construction across diverse sectors, including high-rise construction, pulp and paper mills, pipelines, manufacturing plants, copper mines, gas plants, coal mines, and oil sand sites.

Barb Simic brings over 30 years of expertise in community development from her strategic leadership roles in both charity and corporate sectors, notably with ConocoPhillips. Honored with The Hazel Gillespie Community Investment Leadership Award, she’s recognized for her commitment, strategic insight, and mentorship. With over 8 years of involvement with TEPF, Barb has served as a funder, volunteer, and board chair. She now leads as President/CEO, leveraging her certifications in Advanced Community Involvement and Corporate Citizenship from Boston College. Barb’s extensive experience includes nine years on the Boston College round table, offering valuable insight into North American Corporate Citizenship trends. Currently, she actively contributes to various committees and advisory boards, enriching her leadership with diverse perspectives.

In this session, we will delve into current research and share perspectives that highlight the intricate connection between skilled training pathway design, developmental psychology, and the concepts of readiness and preparedness.  Through examples and empirical evidence, we will discuss how career development opportunities, dual credit and educational interventions can enhance student success, student transition and career surety.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between skilled training pathway design, developmental psychology, and readiness/preparedness concepts.
• Acquire practical strategies and tools for enhancing student success, smooth transition, and career certainty.
• Explore current research and reflect on examples and empirical evidence to inform their own practices and interventions.
• Develop actionable insights to optimize career development opportunities, dual credit programs, and educational interventions.

Presented by:

Dr. Mike Boyes is a developmental psychologist who over the course of his 30+ years in the psychology department at the University of Calgary and continuing as an Adjunct Associate Professor has worked on issues related to identity development among teens and emerging adults (18- to 29-year-olds). This has included looking at how young people take up the identity tasks of figuring out who they are, what they are going to become and how they are going to get there. In addition, Mike has worked on the developmental and experiential aspects of young adults’ transitions from secondary school to their post-secondary lives, trying to understand what is driving recent alarming increases in anxiety and stress among teens, and at the kinds of skills and experiences they can use to prepare for and effectively manage their post-secondary life transitions.

As part of his work in this important area, Mike developed a University of Calgary psychology course called Psychology for Everyday Life (Psych 203) and has been teaching it to high school (and University) students since 2015. In addition to providing dual credit students with first-hand experience with what post-secondary/university courses and university participation involve, the course provides a general introduction to some of the areas of psychology that contribute strongly to psychology’s role as a hub science by informing and guiding research and practice in a broad array of areas (e.g., Education, Business, Medical Sciences, Law, etc.) and introduces students to the value that taking a bit of psychology can provide. Based on current and ongoing research looking at student post-secondary transitions, the course also contains assignments that have students engage in a number of exploratory and reflective activities that can help them gain some traction in their preparations for post-secondary transition.

Rozlynn Wick is the Manager for Strategic Youth Initiatives at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary, Alberta. She has worked at SAIT for the past eleven years.

Rozlynn holds a Master’s degree in education as well as a professional project management designation (PMP). She recently embarked upon pursuing her Doctor of Education degree (only two more years to go!). Roz is also the current co-chair representing post-secondary for Alberta’s provincial dual-credit articulation committee.

Rozlynn is passionate about providing programs for youth that support them in finding their path and believes that all youth are capable learners – they sometimes just need help finding their “spark”.

Rozlynn is an avid runner and enjoys spending time with her husband, dog, and young son.

Lisa Betterton is a passionate advocate for transforming student learning through pathway education. She has worked in a number of educational roles, including Learning Specialist, CTS Learning Leader, and most recently as Co-founder of Fusion Collegiate. Lisa is excited to collaborate with post-secondary institutions and industry partners to develop skilled training and dual credit programs, advancing her objective of fostering student success through pathway learning.  Lisa is a proud mum to two teenagers and enjoys time outdoors hiking and skiing.

These four school authorities allow students to engage in Career Pathway programming outside of the four walls of their home high school. This programming may take them to a post-secondary institution, an industry training center, or another space within the community to engage in learning that supports their readiness and success in transitioning to what comes after high school. However, the importance of supporting students with well designed division coaching roles cannot be underestimated as a key factor for career pathway learning to be transformative for students.

This session will discuss the supports put in place around students, including:

• how centralized staff is utilized in the supervision of students
• how program instructors are supported in their work with students and parents
• how timetabling is adjusted at the home high school – how students are transported to a program and outfitted with the necessary PPE
• how the mental health of students is supported in this new and challenging, and often adult, space
• how learning accommodations are supported in consultation with program providers
• how programs are reviewed to enhance future iterations
• how these roles are designed to coach, advise and support students to cause growth, resiliency, maturity and success for students that will carry on with them beyond high school

Students from all sizes of school authorities face unique challenges in accessing career pathway programming. This session aims to demonstrate how we remove barriers and provide support in order to create equity of access to programming for all.

As a result of participating in this session, participants will have the opportunity to understand the unique structures and staffing roles that are in place across these school divisions leading to high levels of student support and coaching that removes barriers for students and sets them up for long term success in their career readiness and transitioning.

Presented by:

Brianne Fletcher is the Careers Connections Coordinator for Chinook’s Edge School Division. She has a background of Career Counseling and have now worked for the division under the coordinator role for three years. In her role, she coordinates the ONSITE and ONLINE Dual Credit opportunities for their students. These opportunities provide students with the ability to experience career pathways to ensure they transition out of High School with Post Secondary readiness.

In Chinook’s Edge School Division, the onsite opportunity for training in the Trades is a huge aspect in helping students navigate what the rigour looks like associated with it. They provide students with onsite learning opportunities in the Pipe Trades, Welding and Heavy Equipment. These platforms of learning for students are not only excellent opportunities, but Chinook’s Edge holds Career Counselling in these endeavours at a high level to support students even further beyond their own high schools. In supporting and counselling them through these experiences, the division has found more success in students applying themselves in their high school academics to ensure they are prepared for the next steps after High School.

Monica Edwards is the Career Coach Lead with the High Prairie School Division. She has worked in this program since its inception 10 years ago. Monica holds a Bachelor of Management degree from Athabasca University and a Bilingual Business Administration diploma from NAIT. She is a Certified Career Development Professional (CCDP), and is the co-chair of Alberta’s Dual Credit Articulation Committee, representing secondary schools. Her passion for creating opportunities for students in rural Alberta to engage in meaningful career exploration has driven Monica’s work over the past decade. Outside of schools, Monica enjoys outdoor activities with her husband and two children.

Carolyn Mahovlich started her career in Construction and Interior Design, before she hammered out an Education Degree and a Masters in Educational Leadership. She has been with the Calgary Board of Education for 18 years, having taught K-9 before moving into Unique Pathways. She is passionate about students’ and getting them ready for any opportunity that might come their way for a successful future. If you listen closely in the summer months, you may see her still designing houses, showing her husband the “to do” list, moving plants around in her flower garden and walking her dog.

Charlene Foster has been working in elementary, high school and post-secondary education for over 30 years, including 12 years with the Palliser School Division.  She started with Palliser in a Career and Academic advising role, which gave her helpful insights into the challenges students face when choosing and preparing for a future pathway.  As she took on responsibilities in Off Campus Education and Dual Credit, she realized how valuable these experiences can be in giving students insights about themselves and the world of work, which in turn helps inform their choices going forward. She is passionate about Dual Credit and the many benefits it provides students in their career development journey.

Career Pathways in Skilled Trades and Technologies empower students by providing direction and agency as they transition into post-secondary career training. Traditional learning styles and settings can be challenging for many students, but skilled trades pathways in K-12 education offer experiential learning opportunities that resonate with their interests.  This connection to real career learning lights a spark in students, creating a purpose that drives increased success in high school and post-secondary.

Educational leaders on the panel will delve into the positive effects of dual credit and career pathway programs, highlighting the crucial role of joint efforts between K-12 and post-secondary institutions. Their discussion will emphasize how these initiatives enhance student outcomes and outline the importance of Alberta Education and Advanced Education working collaboratively to broaden career pathway opportunities for students in Alberta schools.

Joining you on the panel will be:

• Lora Pillipow, Deputy Minister of Education
• Carmen Baldwin-Dery, Acting Deputy Minister of Advanced Education
• Wayne Pineau, Mentor Principal, Innisfail High School
• Dean Nielsen, Principal of Hugh Sutherland School
• Jason Kupery, Director of Learning, Palliser School Division
• Sheldon Anderson, Lethbridge College Alumnus and Entrepreneur
• David Pye, Dean of Trades, Red Deer Polytechnic