2025 Celebrating the Challenges

Experience how Building Thinking Classrooms practices and playful learning can transform vocabulary instruction for EAL students and struggling readers. In this hands-on session, participants will explore high-impact strategies - grounded in equity and designed to foster deep understanding and engagement. Leave with practical tools to create inclusive, thinking-centered classrooms where all students can thrive.

Tanya Braybrook has experience as an elementary teacher, and learning support teacher, and is currently a vice-principal and middle school science teacher at a K-8 school in central Alberta.

Jennifer Steiner currently teaches middle school math, science, and early numeracy intervention for Rockyview Schools. She has experience teaching in classrooms from grades 5 -12.

Our passions lie in elementary mathematics education and with supporting students with complex learning needs. We have found that recommendations typically involve providing students with more accommodations rather than supporting understanding. In our presentation, we will share what we learned through our research on how to support struggling mathematics students.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords; they are the foundation of a truly just and thriving society. When we break down barriers and dismantle systemic biases, we unlock potential that has been suppressed for too long.
Choosing equity means choosing a future in which we lift up voices that have been silenced and ensure that talent and innovation are not lost.
That vision is powerful—and it’s a world worth striving for. A world where every mind is valued for its contributions, where progress isn’t hindered by prejudice, and where innovation flourishes because all voices are heard. Sounds incredible, doesn't it?

Joanna will be doing a Meet & Greet with delegates after her keynote.